[guestpost]This is a guest post from one of my favorite people in this whole crazy, beautiful world … Renee Swope. Renee is a best-selling author, national speaker and radio co-host with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She has been married for over 20 years to her husband JJ. They love the adventure of parenting 2 teenage boys and a 5 year-old-Ethiopian princess who their family adopted from Ethiopia in 2009. Renee and her family live in North Carolina where she has served in leadership on the staff of Proverbs 31 Ministries since 1995. Connect with Renee at www.ReneeSwope.com.[/guestpost]
I was wiping down our kitchen counter tops one afternoon when found a little rubber thingy. I didn’t know what it was, so I threw it away. Of course, as soon as I tossed it in the trashcan I remembered it was the main power button for our TV remote control.
Digging through layers of dirty paper plates, sticky plastic cups and other stinky items, I found the tiny rubber button. As I retrieved the item I had so quickly thrown away, I sensed God showing me that’s how easily I throw away my confidence—without even recognizing it.
Just hours earlier, I’d told God how impossible it was for me to finish a huge writing project. And how stupid it was for me to commit to something I couldn’t do. How much I hated the pendulum swing between my dreams and my realities.
Every time I said – God, I can’t do this. I’m not smart enough. My faith is too weak. My life is a mess. I’ll never change – I threw away my confidence. And every time I threw away my confidence, I threw away the power that could be mine if I chose to believe and live in the security of God’s promises. But instead, I was choosing to stay in the insecurity of my self-doubts.
Do you ever question your abilities, your competency, or your worth? How often do you agree with the whispers of self-doubt and throw away confidence that should be yours as a child of God?
The next time you’re tempted to trash your confidence, why not trash your insecurities instead?
When self-doubt whispers, “I can’t do that. I’m going to fail and look foolish.” Trash that lie and hold onto this truth: “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)
When self-doubt whispers, “I’ll never change.” Trash that lie and hold onto this truth: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in [me] will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
When self-doubt whispers, “This is too hard for me. I don’t have what it takes to…” Trash that lie and hold onto this truth: “No, in all these things [I am] more than a [conqueror] through him who loved [me].” (Romans 8:37)
GUESS WHAT?! I have sweet Valentine’s Day news for you. Renee’s Confident Heart Devotional eBOOK is FREE {today only!}
Expanding on her life-changing book, A Confident Heart, that sold over 100,000 copies within 2 years, Renee Swope has written a 60-day devotional that will encourage, empower and equip you to live confidently in your God-given roles, relationships, and responsibilities! Every devotion ends with a “When I Say…God Says…” to help guide your thoughts and emotions each day. Plus you’ll love the easy-reference chart that includes all sixty ”When I Say…God Says…” statements in the back of the book!
Click here for easy access to links of retailers offering this FREE eBOOK – today only!
What self-doubt message do YOU need to change?
Michele, I just bought a package of small lined tablets in pretty pastel colors with Sticky Note adhesive on the top. I LOVE them! (It doesn’t take much with me). The first thing I am going to do today is write those Scriptures down and place them in various places in my house. I have a big case of self-doubt lately.
Thanks to Renee Swope for her Valentine’s gift of her book today. I downloaded it immediately.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
I’m a little crazy for paper products, too. What’s better than a fresh stack of colorful post-its? 😉 Enjoy the devotional … I think you’ll love Renee’s heart and authenticity.
This is GREAT! I LOVE it.
Just last summer, I felt God call me to write a book. My first book. Something I NEVER thought I’d do. The title is “You Make My Life Rich: A Journey of Redefining What it Means to be Rich”.
As I was developing the manuscript, I couldn’t get away from humility, but I’m a big believer in confidence. So, the 4th principle of my book became “Humble Yourself With Confidence”. It’s this idea of placing yourself under God, but allowing his power to radiate through you.
The principle hinges on Hebrews 10:35 which says, “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”
Your post was such a refresher and when I caught the title, I had to check it out. Thanks for sharing a great message!
Love it! Thanks for sharing your story, Matt. Heb. 10:35 is a powerful verse!