Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 22, 2017
With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. 2 Samuel 22:30
In Christ we are confident, and He is our confidence. We do not have to waver in fear or regret if Jesus is with us. Obstacles can seem overwhelming, our faith may stumble and fear may lead our flesh to falter in its commitment. This is when we lean into the Lord in prayer and renew our confidence in Christ. It places our trust back on our unshakeable Savior because so much of our confidence is based on perspective.
Perspective reminds us of the right questions to ask. Has God called me to this current circumstance? Is He with those who have answered His call? Can I be confident in Christ and continue? Yes, you can advance in your adversity because the Almighty is not against you, but for you. You can scale your wall of worry by faith.
Our confidence can be crushed under the weight of cruel people. You may know people right now who are intimidated by your life. Instead of praising your good deeds, they are repulsed by righteous acts. Your life reminds them of how they once were or how they need to be. Your character makes them uncomfortable. They want you to change and relieve their pain of conviction. They want you to worship with them at the altar of mediocrity.
People comfortable in their sin do not want to be reminded of their selfish motives. They instinctively attack anyone who is confident in their Christian walk. They want you to go back to your pre-Christ behavior so they will feel comfortable around you. So, how does Christ want you to respond? He loves us through our bad behavior and malicious motives. He does not expect us to compromise our character or convictions, but He expects us to express our differences with grace and mercy.
In our confidence, we need not be combative with characterless characters. They are lost and hurt and feel guilty and alone. What they need is the love of God to extend abroad in their heart and soul, so stay confident that you are Christ’s conduit for His love. Respond to rejection with acceptance, and extend compliments to criticism. Reach out and love those who love to hurt, because they hurt.
Our confidence in Christ cannot be shaken because He is alive and well; so stand firm by faith. Move forward on your knees in prayer and dependence on God. Confidence in Christ is bold but humble. It is engaging but calm. It is quick to ask questions but slow to answer in judgment. So, in your home be confident that Christ is growing the faith of your family.
In your work be confident that Christ is developing your team’s character and competence. In your own life you can be confident that Christ is in control. Above all else, your confidence is not based on your bank account, your clothes, or your looks. It is not contingent on where you live or what you drive. It is based on Christ alone.
The Bible says, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I place my confidence in Christ alone for me to carry on, in Jesus’ name amen.Application
What project do I need to complete knowing Christ can be trusted with the outcome?Related Reading
Psalm 27:3, 13; Luke 18:9; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:6 Today’s reading is taken from Boyd’s most popular book: Seeking Daily the Heart of God, a 365 day devotional.Post/Tweet today
Confidence in Christ is bold but humble, assured but teachable. #wisdomhunters #confidentWorship Resource
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