Confidence
Confidence is a popular subject today. We are told to think confidently, to be self-assured, to trust in ourselves. In a myriad of ways, the theme of modern society is to be self-confident. However, there is only ONE way for God's people to face life - with complete confidence in Him.
- We can be confident in God's strength. He is pouring His strength into us so we can overcome our daily obstacles and difficulties (Phil. 4:13).
- We can be confident that God is always faithful to keep His promises. If He promised something in His Word, we can count on it. All we have to do is wait on His perfect timing with confidence (Isaiah 30:18).
- We can be confident that He will answer our prayers. He is just waiting for us to ask, according to His will, and He will hear us (1 John 5:14).
- We can be confident that He will provide for all our needs. He has told us not to afraid or worry about things, because He's standing by to help (Philippians 4:6).
The apostle Paul lived through horrible circumstances - rejected by his Jewish peers, stoned, abandoned for dead, ridiculed, ignored, and often beaten and imprisoned for his devotion to Christ. But Paul continued to maintain a confident hope, right up to the very end. How did he manage this?