Many times in my life I have let self-doubt, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence make decisions for me. I didn't take the high paying job because I felt like a failure. I stepped out of my marriage because I let those doubts and negative talk convince me that my husband did not love me. I won't say yes to becoming the service unit manager for my local Girl Scouts because I believe that I'm nothing special. Even more recently, I stopped writing on a blog project for my church because I got sick with a nasty virus and missed a bunch of days that have now turned into a couple of weeks. I let myself think that my church family will not forgive me and why should I bother, I am not qualified. I fear failure.
In chapter 1 of "A Confident Heart", the following verse stands out: "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
I start to think about another study where we talked about negative inside chatter and this image of myself comes to mind:
When the ugly thoughts, lies, and doubts creep in, I must remind myself to seek truth. Where do I find this truth? It's found by reading the Bible, believing the words and knowing that there is #perfectlove that is given to us by God. Renee Swope has a free download on her website, www.ReneeSwope.com, that is called "Don't Throw Away Your Confidence". Here are some examples to my own personal struggles:
When I say, "What if I fail?" God says, "I will give you victory, Jenny!" The truth I will hold onto: "But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14 GW
When I say, "I'm not good enough." God says, "Jenny, you're royalty to Me!" The truth I will hold onto: "You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God." Isaiah 62:3
When I say, "I'm nothing special." God says, "You are a masterpiece, Jenny!" The truth I will hold onto: "For [you] are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Thank You Abba, My Father, for loving me! Abba, I belong to You! You are the God who sees me, El Roi. You are the Lord, My Rock, my Yahweh Tsuri!
