Friday, April 8, 2011

Confidence

I think this will be the last (at least for now) of the series on Boldness, even though there is so much more we could learn from the people throughout the Bible.  I just started reading The Confident Woman: Start Today Living Boldly and Without Fear, so there may be more on it in the future:) 
When I read the story of Esther, I wasn't sure what similarities I would find to the other courageous people I had been studying.  True, Esther was in the right place at the right time (Esther 4:14) but, before she boldly approached the king, Esther was prepared...she and her supporters fasted (Esther 4:15).  She put on her royal robe (Esther 5:1)-she knew who she was!!! Do you know who you are in Christ??? True boldness and courage doesn't come for us...it's from God in us!! Because of Esther's courage, the Jews celebrated (Esther 9:22).  Wow, a whole group celebrating because of the courage of one person....that one person could be you!  You could lead a whole group to celebrate as you are bold and courageous in your life by trusting God!! Joshua led a whole group of people into the promised land-can you imagine crossing the Jordan?  Here's what the Lord said to him-Wow!!!
I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses...No one will be able to stand up against you all the says of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.  Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.   Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:3,5-6,9 (You will be blessed if you make time to read the entire first chapter...for the sake of space I'm just putting highlights!)
Friend, is there a place you need to set your foot...a victory that has been won for you and you just need to boldly step out in an area?  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Maybe you have already stepped out and you are waiting now... Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3.  Friend, if you have boldly stepped out in faith, do not loose heart!  Joy will come!!! I will leave you thinking on these promises from the word :)
  • For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.  1 Corinthians 4:20
  • Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.  Deuteronomy 30:11
  • Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25
  • For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
  • The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.  Isaiah 32:17
  • I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:19
If you have a favorite verse about boldness, courage, etc...please share it in the comments area so that we can be blessed!  Spend some time in prayer today asking God to show you if there are any areas in your life where you need to yield to His power working in you.  He desires to use your life to bring Him glory!  Will you allow Him to make you bold and courageous...will you (like those we've read about today) lead a group in celebration through His power working in your life?  Maybe you have tried to be bold and confident on your own-to lead by your power...go to the throne, we can't do it alone!  Praise be to our Lord Jesus who enables us to boldly approach the throne!!!






2 comments:

Jen said...

:( I just typed you a very long and thought out response..and it disappeared. :(

Gwen said...

@Jen-I hate it when that happens to me...it has several times recently on facebook! Thanks for reading it and taking time to type a response now I'm curious about what you said:)

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