Harry Says, "What is the Secret of Confidence?"
by Pastor Leid
First, we have to understand what confidence is. Webster's definition of confidence is: a. full trust, reliance b. self-confidence, self-reliance, certitude, assurance.
- Note that there needs to be full trust, reliance. Philippians 4:13 tells us, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
- This is the confidence that comes from an outside source. For a basketball player it could be encouraging words from your coach. For a student it could be encouraging words from your teacher. For your lifestyle it could be encouraging words from your parents or pastors.
- For the Christian our great source of confidence is the Living Word of God.
- Philippians 1:6, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
- Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters I will be with you and through the rivers they will not overflow you, when you walk through the fire you will be scorched nor will the flame burn you."
- Proverbs 3:26, "For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught."
- The second factor is self-confidence.
- How nice it would be if God did everything for us and we could just relax and not worry about confidence. But God created us to develop habits of self-confidence.
- Romans 8:37, "In all things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loves us."
- Hebrews 10:35-36, "Therefore do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward for you have need of endurance so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what was promised."
- Isaiah 40:31, "Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."