Embracing Faith and Trust in God’s Plan
As deception abounds, inflation hangs tough, and wars and rumors of wars escalate, it is easy to feel overwhelmed about the times we live in and also the future. However, as believers, we are called to put our trust and confidence in the Lord throughout all seasons of life—the hard, the sad, the ugly, the joyful and … the uncertain. The confidence we’re called to embrace is a holy experience that defies the naturalness of our human flesh and thought life. The confidence I speak of has nothing to do with flexing faith muscles or self-help talks. The confidence I speak of the world at large will never understand, and that’s exactly the point. The confidence I speak of is sacred and holy.
Holy confidence is not based on the things the world admires like personal abilities or strengths or accomplishments, but rather on the unwavering faith in God’s promises and His perfect plans.
Understanding How it Works
Holy confidence is a deep sense of assurance that comes from the author and perfector of our faith, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2). The fact that He shapes our individual and collective faith is spiritually profound and as the creatures made by the author, our ability to muster up a human-based faith is futile. Holy confidence comes from the knowledge of who God is—His unchanging nature; His plans. Understanding that all things—all things—work together for His glory and the believer’s good is the basis of faith. The author of your faith is the one who shapes this knowledge and understanding within and He does it through His Word because: in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1).
Whoa.
So, the Word is revealed through that book (the Bible) on your nightstand or shelf, and is the tool Christ uses to construct your personally-appointed faith.
In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are told to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse speaks the essence of holy confidence—relying on God completely.
Examples of Holy Confidence in the Bible
The Bible showcases numerous individuals who displayed holy confidence in the face of daunting challenges that from a human’s point of view, may seem unfair. But these tests show the world not only a faithful follower but also a trustworthy God. Through the unbelievable, believers are fashioned. And the kingdom expands.
David and Goliath: One of the most well-known stories of holy confidence is that of David and Goliath. Despite being a young shepherd boy, David faced the giant Goliath with unwavering confidence in God’s power. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David declares, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” David’s confidence was not in his own ability but in God’s mighty power.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den: Daniel’s unwavering faith and confidence in God were evident when he was thrown into the lions’ den for refusing to stop praying to God. In Daniel 6, we see that Daniel’s trust in God did not waver, and as a result, God protected him from harm. This story exemplifies the peace and assurance that come from placing our confidence in our author of our faith’s hands, even in the face of life-threatening situations.
Esther’s Boldness: Queen Esther demonstrated holy confidence when she risked her life to save her people. In Esther 4:16, she says, “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” Esther’s confidence came when her belief that her maker had placed her in her position for such a time as this.
Cultivating Holy Confidence
Like I wrote at the beginning of this blog, holy confidence is not something that comes naturally; it is allowing Author Jesus to cultivate faith through your relationship with Him and His Word. Here are some practical ways to develop holy confidence:
Spend Time in God’s Word: The Bible is our source of truth and guidance. By reading and meditating on God’s Word, we deepen our understanding of God’s character and His promises. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, our faith and confidence are shaped to face the unbelievable.
Prayer and Worship: Communicating with God through prayer and worship is another way the Lord strengthens our faith. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” When we bring our concerns and praises to God, we experience supernatural peace and assurance.
Surround yourself with faithful believers: Being part of a community of believers who encourage and support one another is vital for our spiritual growth. For reasons that baffle me, the Lord uses fallen people to impart His encouragement and insight and this is, I believe, miraculous—He likes working through you and me! Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Fellowship with other Christians helps strengthen our faith and confidence in God.
Remember God’s faithfulness: Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness in our lives can bolster our confidence in His future provision. Psalm 77:11-12 says, “I will remember the works of the LORD; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.” By recalling how God has worked in our lives, we can trust that He will continue to be faithful.
Confidence with Benefits
Embracing holy confidence allows us to face current and future challenges with courage, experience God’s peace, and point all the glory to Him.
Overcoming Fear and Anxiety: When we place our confidence in God, we are freed from the grip of fear and anxiety. Isaiah 41:10 assures us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Trusting in God’s presence and power enables us to navigate life’s uncertainties with calmness and courage.
Experiencing peace and joy: Holy confidence leads to a deep sense of peace and joy, knowing that God is in control. Romans 15:13 declares, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This peace and joy are not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God.
Living with purpose: When we have holy confidence, we can step into the purpose and calling of God. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Knowing that God has a plan for us gives us the confidence to pursue our calling with determination and enthusiasm.
Final Thoughts
Holy confidence is a gift from God that allows us to live boldly—fulfilling our individual calls and the global plan for His world. Embrace holy confidence! The Lord is with us, for us, and working all things together for our good and His glory. That “thing” you are facing today or tomorrow is there by design and part of your ultimate Holy confidence journey.
If I perish, I perish,
Laurie
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