Confidence

Lesson 2: What is confidence and where does it come from?

Confidence is an important quality for women of character. Confidence gives us that inner self-assurance that helps us interact effectively with others. It equips us with the belief that we can live out our purpose in life. Without confidence, we shrivel up and hide, and we don't believe in ourselves or in God's power working through us.

I have seen myself as pretty confident. It has taken a lot of work over the years. But there are times when I see myself looking around at others for reassurance; When I am in a new situation, new environment, trying something new or meeting a new person. I think we all see ourselves here. We wish we were that person that seems to always have it all together , the person who walks in a room and takes command but the truth is even that person struggles with confidence at different times. Some are just better at hiding it than others.

I have seen my teenagers struggle with confidence. When they were belittled at school or by a so -called best friend and then they just want to lock the door and hide. One negative word and it takes 4-5 positive words to overcome, and move forward.We somehow just never forget.

In this book she talks about three confidence restorers:

1. Knowing who we are in Christ.

2. Where we fit in His Kingdom.

3. Finding my purpose or why I am here.

First we are His. Psalm 139:14-18 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

He knew us before we were created.

That means there are no mistakes!

Second each of us have a special gift. The body of Christ is not all made up

of preachers, singers ie. We each have a different gift

and God wants us to find that gift and use it to fulfill the purpose that

He has called us to.

Third, our greatest purpose is to bear fruit

and to point others to Christ.

That gets me excited.

I have a purpose and that purpose or gift will and should point others to Him.

I know that we are all on a journey, this journey will take us an entire lifetime

but when we keep our eyes focused on Him, He will lead us along confidently.

Finally, bothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,

whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or

praiseworthy-think about such things.

Philippians 4:8