Building Self-Confidenceby Rhonda Jones

“….I am fearfully and wonderfully made….” Psalm 139: 14 (NIV)

Believing in one's own abilities and strengths is the essence of self-confidence. TheWord of God declares that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God created uswith amazement, awe, and delight-fulness. However, many people are clueless to thepotential God has placed within them. This causes problems with self-confidence.

Not knowing who you are

Many people are suffering from an identity crisis. Some of us have no idea what we want out of life while others lack a solid sense of direction. Moreover, many of God's children are merely “existing” instead of experiencing the fullness of His love. Our identity crisis occurs when we try to be successful according to what the world's standards. However, the Word of God states, “do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by therenewing of the mind..” Romans 12:2 NIV.

Condemnation

Some of us are too aware of our own weaknesses, limitations, and shortcomings. However,God does not want us to dwell on those things. Sometimes sin will bring about a sense ofunworthiness. If we are feeling unworthy, as a result of sin, we must repent. God is faithful to forgiveus. The Lord wants His children to rise up in the power of His might. We serve a Great and AwesomeGod who is higher than any personal weakness.

Trusting in your own strength

The Word of God states, “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your ownunderstanding” Proverbs 3:5 NIV. Oftentimes, we run ahead of God out of zeal. We may have a good idea and attempt to carry it out without God's assistance. This causes us to experience negative emotions when our plan fails. This failure thus weakens our faith. Later on, God may really call us to perform a particular task but we find ourselves feeling hesitant and doubtful. We are wondering if we will fail like we did before.

Instead of thinking about the many ways you can fail, think of multiple ways youcan succeed. God does not desire His children to remain a place of uncertainty, doubt or unbelief.When we realize that our past failure was a result of moving ahead of God, we will gain more confidence.

In conclusion, we must trust wholeheartedly in God because our strength lies in Him. When weknow that God is on our side, we have nothing to fear. We do not have to feel unworthy of God’s favoreither. Continue trusting in Him and you will be on your way to attaining true self-confidence.

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