Confidence

What if God was not on your side? What if he didn’t have your back? What if he decided to take his eyes off you and look the other way? What if God said, “You are on your own!”

Let’s think about the word “hope”—what does it mean? Some people hope it doesn’t rain, while others hope the rain comes soon. Some hope something goes away; others hope something shows up. Some people are hopeful. Some are hopeless. Some people find hope, while others lose it.

God’s presence with us is one of the most powerful experiences of our lives. It gives us comfort when we are down, courage when we are fearful, and confidence when we doubt. And…let’s be honest. There are times in our humanness that we want to get away from God. We desire to run far from him. We want to do something we know he would not approve of. God’s presence is powerful…and…sometimes we want to be left alone. We seek God’s companionship…on our terms. I believe this is what David is getting at in Psalm 139:11-12.

Living in the light is living in confidence. We can see where we are going, and we know we will arrive at our destination. There is no “we might make it.” We will experience eternal life in heaven with the Lord! How can we be confident of heaven? Check out today’s passage.

Training and preparation produce confidence. An army moves assuredly when they have studied the enemy, understand the terrain, and are properly suited up. Battle readiness produces victory. To be battle ready we need the right gear. We have learned that the belt of truth allows us to move freely without stumbling. The breastplate of righteousness protects our heart and keep us on the right path. Today, let’s consider additional components of our battle gear—the shoes, the shield, and the helmet.

Have you read today’s newsfeed? The world has changed since you last scrolled through the news—division in government. Stocks are up and down—medical updates. Sports teams win and lose. Players get traded. A coach resigns, and another gets fired. Evil leaders attempt to expand their kingdoms by taking over another area. The world revolves around a twenty-four-hour cycle of change. What will happen next? No one is certain.

Sin provides my greatest satisfaction apart from God. Sin is fun…for a time (Hebrews 11:25). It meets my fleshly desires. It gives me control. I think thoughts I want to think. I savor emotions that meet my needs. I do the things I want to do. Sin is all about me and all about me wanting to be in control.

Do you ever feel like the task ahead of you is too big? It’s like a mountain that you don’t have the skill or energy to climb. You feel completely inadequate to take on the assignment. Let me tell you about a man named Moses.

“I don’t measure up.” “I am not sure I have what it takes.” “I’m physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted.” “I’m in over my head.” “What if I fail?” “What will people think of me?” Do you ever have these thoughts and questions? An inner gnawing that you are just not enough? You are not alone. Let me introduce you to a man named Moses.