Trust in My Might or God’s?

Confidence is a quality that everyone desires. Self-confidence suggests that one trusts in his or her own abilities. The “self-made” person has a firm trust in their education, professional abilities, athletic skills, looks, health, or material resources. Their belief in themselves produces a state of mind and manner that is marked by freedom from uncertainty, self-doubt, or embarrassment.

But there’s another kind of confidence, and it too is based on trust. However, it’s not a trust in self, but a trust in God. Who better to demonstrate the confidence that comes from trusting God than God’s only Son, the Lord Jesus? Even at the early age of twelve, while teaching at the temple (Luke 2:41-52), Jesus was confident in His identity as the son of God.

Likewise your confidence must come from your identity in and with Jesus. He has made you a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and given you a fresh start. Your past has been forgiven. The slate of your sins has been erased. Your present is empowered by Jesus’ Spirit. And your future is guaranteed for all eternity. You are one with Christ. Therefore, there’s no reason to be fearful of anything. Oh, you must have a healthy respect for the fragility of life and the need for wisdom and safety precautions. But there’s no reason to be anxious about your normal activities.

If your confidence for some challenge is wavering, maybe you’ve lost sight of who it is you are to trust. Trusting in yourself is shaky ground. Trust instead in the rock that is solid, in Jesus Christ. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:7).

Jesus once instructed His disciples before sending them out for ministry. He cautioned them, explaining, “I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16). This doesn’t seem like a very good way to instill confidence in a newly appointed evangelistic team, does it? Jesus wanted to give His new team a realistic picture of what they would face. He told them the truth to make them wiser about what was really out there.

But Jesus wasn’t finished. To ensure that the disciples’ confidence wouldn’t waver, He ended His pep talk with an assurance of God’s care. He clearly communicated that the same God who takes care of the insignificant little sparrow would surely take care of them. Jesus then told them, “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (verse 31).

God places great value on you. Savor this truth! In fact, you are so valuable that He sent His only Son to die for you (John 3:16). And because of God’s love, you never need to be afraid of personal challenges or difficult trials. Yes, times of trouble will come, but rather than hiding in fear, have the confidence to trust your all-wise and loving heavenly Father. The wolves are out there, but the Good Shepherd knows that you are one of His sheep. He is always there with you and for you!

Question: How have you seen God’s care for you demonstrated to you in the past? Does this bolster your confidence for you present circumstances?

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Read Trust in My Might or God’s? on Elizabeth & Jim George.