Self confidence vs. God confidence
Confidence! It can be a struggle in different ways. Lately, I have been sharing a few ideas on How to be Fit Inside and Out. Specifically, knowing who we are in Christ is the key to being fit on the inside that brings true confidence, peace and fulfillingGod's purpose for our life. Often times, we rely on our own achievements or affirmation of others, but that is placing our confidence in ourself and not in Christ.
The problem with placing our confidence in our strength is that it is temporary and superficial. When we fail, (and we will) compare ourself to others or step out of our comfort zone, our security can come crashing down. For a solid foundation, we must know what God says about us and BELIEVE IT!
I want to share with you a few steps I had to learn to have security that is far greater, deeper and everlasting by placing my confidence in who I am in Christ.
Step 1: Know What Christ Says About You
When I started learning what God really said about me, my life was changed. Not only did I fall in love with Jesus more and more, I found a peace and confidence like I had never known. By knowing what God says about us, our identity will not depend on what others do or say. Here are just a few of my favorites verses to keep written on my heart.
Eph 1:4 (NIV) “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”
John 1:12 (NIV) “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Psalm 139:14 (NIV) “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Isa 43:4 (NIV) “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.”
Psalm 34:5 (NIV) "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."
Why do we allow our security to be shattered through failure, comparison and imperfections when God says we are His child who is radiant, wonderfully made, precious and blameless.
Step 2: Stop Comparing and Trying to Please Everyone
When we focus on what God says about us and the purpose He has for our life, then we don't have to worry about perfection or pleasing anyone but Him.
Ok!....I am going to through this out there. I love Facebook, which is how you may have gotten to my blog today. But I have to say that I am sadden by the many women who allow it to determine their worth by comparing to the status of other women either to make them feel better, which is false security, or less than adequate.
2 Corinthians 10:12 says it is not wise to compare yourself with others. (NIV)
Trying to please, impress or compare our lives to others will soon end in devastation. When we are focused on pleasing Christ, we don't have time to worry about the rest. Let us remember:
Colossians 3:1 (NIV) “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
When I would go to a place of feeling sorry for myself and we all do it at one time, I have to realize that is thinking about ME and not keeping my attention on Him. How Prideful.
Step 3: Grow in God’s Confidence
To have wisdom and confidence in Christ is not a onetime event.We must stay intentional with getting in God's word every day to grow more and more with Him. Know His word, study it, write it on your heart and then surround yourself with like-minded women who do the same.
Remember, getting fit is not just what we are and do on the outside. That brings a false sense of security that is only temporary. It is having a confidence in Christ and focusing on His purpose and plan for our life.
That is being fit on the inside.
