What does biblical confidence look like? This concept has surfaced several times over the last few months in my quiet times. Each one has spoken loudly enough that I did not have to review my quiet times to notice the trend. No, this is something God has kept on the forefront of my mind.
The first instance was in February when I read Philippians. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. . . for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance” (Philippians 1:6, 19). I wrote in my quiet time, “How does Paul know? How is he so sure?”
Then in early March I read this is Exodus 14:13, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today.” The Red Sea was before the people of Israel, the Egyptian army behind them. It certainly looked hopeless. But Moses was confident in God’s words that He spoke. What were those words? In verses 3-4, God told Moses that Pharaoh would pursue them, but God would get glory over them.
Next in April as I was reading Acts, I noticed Paul proclaims, “So take heart men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told (Acts 27:25). The context: Paul is on a ship with other prisoners and they are caught in a nasty storm. An angel appears to Paul and reassures him that all will be well because God has purposed for Paul to stand before Caesar in Rome. Paul confidently assures the others on the ship.
In May, I was reading in Luke 1 about Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth announces (in regards to Mary), “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” What confidence Mary had in God’s words spoken to her! Can you imagine the flurry of gossip that must have ensued? Yet she was confident, and she didn’t need to defend herself to others. Elizabeth believed her (well, practically she believed God working through Mary) even without a power point presentation and explanation. Also, God would be her defense – He even sent an angel to Joseph to assure him.
Lastly, this theme hit a climax about a week ago, with confidence bursting at the seams! I read in Luke 7 and Numbers 13. I will list the stories like I did in my journal:
- The sinful woman was confident that she could surrender wholeheartedly to Jesus, even in front of people she knew would judge her and knew her past.
- The centurion was confident that Jesus could heal his servant. And not only that, but that Jesus could heal him from a distance.
- Caleb and Joshua were confident and went against the bad report about the promise land by the other ten spies. They declared, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Even though they saw what the other ten spies saw (giants who were stronger then them), they were confident God was on their side because He had told them to possess the land! It seemed hopeless, but Joshua and Caleb were confident God would work out the details on their behalf. They merely needed to obey the step God asked them to take.
- On the flip side, those who lacked confidence suffered loss: Simon the Pharisee lost out on Jesus’ mercy; the ten spies and the adult generation of Israel were denied access to the promise land plus the younger generation had to wait 40 years.
Encore! Just a few days ago, I read a Psalm by David while he was on the run from Saul and he exclaims, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2). David is the farthest from being king a person could be: being hunted by the current king and hiding in a cave. Yet, he’s confident God will fulfill what He said.
See what I mean? Every month God has shown me examples of confidence: Paul, Moses, the sinful woman, the centurion, Caleb, Joshua, and David. Over the last few weeks, He has increased the frequency. I am still meditating on it all. Suffice it to say, God is expecting me to remain confident in what He has spoken to me. I believe this is two-fold:
- I am to remain confident in what God has spoken to ALL His people and continue in steps of obedience in response (e.g. I know He will transform my mind as I remain committed to reading His Word and being in fellowship; I am chosen by Him and have value to Him so I do not need to seek affirmation from the world; He will equip me and it is His good pleasure to give us the kingdom so I can be confident in passing on what I know to other women (discipleship) and continue my training; etc.)
- I am to remain confident in how God directs my life individually. There are MANY ways in which God can direct our steps which are biblical, but not everyone’s steps will be the same. We must be confident that God speaks to us through His Word and will direct our life. I’ve seen it many times in my own life, in other women’s lives, and in the Scriptures. This doesn’t discount wise counsel, but when God has clearly spoken to us, nothing should keep us from rooting our confidence in Him (see example: I Kings 13:1-26).
So let us learn from examples of confidence. These men and women were confident in God’s voice, whether directed collectively or individually. Let us do the same!
By the River Together 