We put our confidence in many things: money, our jobs, and even the weather. When you have confidence you trust, are bold, feel secure and safe, and are assured. However, faith is a conviction of truth, a belief, and a commitment to steadfastness. Faith is the key. Therefore, build your faith to build your confidence.
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The Difference Between Faith And Confidence
Confidence is contingent on what you can see. You see that this couch is sturdy so you’re confident it will hold you. You trust it and don’t second guess it. When you look out the window and see that the is sun shining and the birds chirping, you are confident that it is going to be a bright, beautiful, sunny day. However, confidence can be shaky. One day that very same couch appears different. One of the legs on the couch looks crooked. You aren’t so quick to jump on that couch today. You’ve lost some trust. You look out the window ten minutes later and see a gray cloud. Your confidence has shifted. Now you are confident that it will be a rainy, gloomy day. Confidence is based on what you see.
Faith, however, is contingent on what you can’t see.
”Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.“
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.”
“By faith Noah, after he was warned about what was not yet seen and motivated by godly fear, built an ark to deliver his family. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”
“By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the one who had promised was faithful.”
How They Are Alike
Both confidence and faith are cultivated in relationship and remembrance. We have confidence in the things we have positive experiences with. Once a job has proven itself, we trust that we have stability there. But again, confidence is shaky. The moment something happens with payrol, some trust is lost. The comfort that was once there begins to subside.
The Bible tells us many times to remember the faithfulness of God and to put our trust in Him.
“I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.”
“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.”
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wondrous works he has done, his wonders, and the judgments he has pronounced,”
It’s hard to trust someone you don’t know and who you don’t have a relationship with. This is why a relationship with God is so important. When we study His Word, pray, and invite Him into our lives, we get to know God. We learn His voice and get to know His character. Our faith is strengthened when we spend time with God. Even in times of uncertainty, our faith and confidence grows because they are in Him.
Firm Ground
When we are fully surrendered to God we can respond confidently when God tells us to do something that is completely out of our comfort zone because our confidence is in Him and not in our ability. Putting our confidence in things or man will always be shaky because those things are unstable. But God is unshakeable. With God as my foundation, I am learning to stand firm in every season and every situation. Even when I lose confidence in my gifts, or my voice, I remain faithful and confident in God. My assurance comes from Him. So if you are trying to grow in confidence, begin by growing in your faith. You grow in your faith by devoting yourself to God.
With Love,
Tamara
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References:
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
