Confidence

So give me faith like Daniel in the lion's den
Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness
Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense
So I can face my giants with confidence

Sanctus Real

This song says a lot about being confident. I've been reading books in Psychology to trick my brain into being a confident woman, it helps me a bit yet it wasn't enough for most of the time. It's all "self-help" meaning you rely on yourself hence we all know we have limitations and flaws. We live in this generation where everyone seemingly looks perfect, with flawless skin, beautiful teeth, and perfect curves. I know it's easier to become insecure at this time like we're not like them. Even we try to remind ourselves that beautiful hearts matter hence there would be a time that we get caught up looking at the mirror and comparing ourselves to the mainstream. It's our nature as human beings but here's a reminder for every one of us by my favorite author Ann Voskamp.

"The world has enough women who know how to do their hair. It needs more women who know how to do the hard and holy things. The world needs brave women who would rather be beautifully sacrificial than perfectly artificial. "

Would you like to be perfect yet artificial? Where do you put your confidence?

God is our confidence. Whenever I put my faith in Him all my worries and insecurities fade because I know His strength is sufficient for me. Even though I know I'm not qualified to do all things for Him, He still called me. He never calls those who are perfect but rather than those who are broken people so He can use His power mightily and they can rely on God's power rather themselves.

Once we rely on God's power it seems we can do everything for His glory, it's scary but He's with us. Have you ever heard the story of Rahab, a woman of faith and confidence?

Prostitute Rahab saves spies

Joshua secretly sent out two spies from the Israelite camp at Acacia Grove. He instructed them, "Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River especially around Jericho." So the two men set out and come to the house of a prostiture named Rahab and stayed there that night ...

Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk with them.

"I know the Lord has given you this land," she told them..." For the Lord your God is the supreme of the heavens above and the earth below.

"Now swear to me by the Lord that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you. Give me some guarantee that when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my fahter and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families."

Before they left, the men told her ... "When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members- your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives-must be here inside the house ..."

I accept your terms, she replied. And she sent them on their way, leaving the scarlet rope hanging from the window.

Joshua 2:1-21, A Thousand Gifts

As Rahab saves the lives of the spies, so she and her family come under God's protection- to find a permanent home among God's people and become part of the great salvation story. Rahab married Salmon and through her son, Boaz (Ruth 2-4), became an ancestress not only of David but of Jesus himself. It is an outstanding example of God's grace.

and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father or Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesses the father of David the King.

Matthew 1:5

Rahab was so brave to save the spies even though she knew that it might cause her life too but God could use any person despite our past and brokenness. She was a prostitute but became part of the salvation story.

By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

Hebrews 11:31

The Lord should be your confidence so you can face your giants. Your faith in Him can overpower those lies, insecurities, and weaknesses that creep into your being.

for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

Proverbs 3: 25

Perhaps, you think you're just an ordinary lady, too thin, too simple, have obvious fats around, have pimples and stretch marks, flat nose, and chest, brown skin, not smart enough, nothing to offer, and nothing special. You know what, God doesn't look at what you can give but rather He's looking into your heart, are you ready to say "yes" if He asks you to do something even if it feels like you're not qualified? Are you brave enough to say "Yes Lord for your glory" even if it feels scary?

Obedience is better than sacrifice.

And it's hard to pursue God's confidence if you don't have a relationship with Jesus. God loves you so much and He sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die at the cross so you can have eternal life. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. And by living your life with Jesus you can face all your giants with confidence. Ask the forgiveness of your sins, have faith in Jesus, and surrender your life to Him and you will have a new life in Him. There will be no condemnation in Jesus, your identity is in Him so no matter how insecure you are God's grace covers you, you will be free from the bondage of sins and brokenness, your insecurities, so He can use you for His glory. Seek Jesus!

Jesus said to him, " I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 14:6

Sometimes we need to lift up our arms and surrender everything, all of the fears, weaknesses, and insecurities, and tell God, "I surrender Lord because I know you are my confidence."