Two Things That Steal Your Confidence
Satan often robs Bible-believing Christians of the confidence to do what they know God wants them to do.
by Charles Stanley
Have you ever awakened on a Sunday morning not feeling "good enough" to face your fellow Christian brothers and sisters in church? If this lie sounds familiar, then you can also relate to the deceptive thought process that accompanies it:
You weigh the options, of which there seems only to be two:
- Muster up the strength to attend Sunday services, praying that nobody will notice the sin of your past that seems so glaringly obvious.
- Avoid church altogether because it's easier than having to walk the halls of a holy place, feeling that surely you must be the foremost sinner there.
Maybe you thought you were the only one who has ever faced such negative emotions. It's important for you to realize, however, that you are not alone. Satan often robs Bible-believing Christians of the confidence to do what he knows God wants them to do. One of the main tools Satan uses to steal our confidence is guilt over our past sins.
No matter where you are now or where you have been, God loves you and wants to use your life in incredible ways. If the conviction you feel is legitimate and you have not repented of a particular sin, don't hesitate to present yourself honestly before the Lord. Your confession leads you to His cleansing hand. Once you've dealt with God about a particular sin, you are pure and blameless.
First John 1:9 assures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Your confession of sin makes you clean. If you are still taunted by feeling stained and unworthy, the guilt you feel is not legitimate. It is a tool of the enemy to keep you from doing God's will.
In order to combat the negative feelings that can bind us from worshiping and serving the Father, we must rely on His promises to triumph over our own thoughts.
Scriptures that specifically assure you of the Lord's faithfulness to use you and restore you include:
2 Corinthians 5:21: "He made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Romans 5:20: "But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more" (NKJV).
Isaiah 53:5: "But He (Christ) was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed."
Another prime suspect that steals our confidence in God is unwise counsel. Oftentimes, we value others' opinions so much that we neglect to measure what they say against the Bible. Even Christians can give advice that is not sound. That's why it is imperative for us to continually gird ourselves with the Word of God.
The Lord wants to quiet any fear, anxiety, or uncertainty you feel with His peace, His presence, His power, and His provision. Only He can . . .
Sustain you with peace in the midst of the most trying circumstances. (Philippians 4:7; John 14:27; Ephesians 2:14)
Be with you in every difficulty, every trial, and every moment. (Psalm 23:4; Exodus 3:12; John 14:18; Philippians 4:5; Hebrews 13:5)
Provide for your every need, even when it looks impossible. (Philippians 4:11-19; Psalm 20:5)
Strengthen you to serve Him anywhere, any time, and in any way that He leads you. (Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 1:25; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58)
Even if guilt and unwise counsel are not intimidating your confidence in the Lord now, take a moment to make note of these Scripture references. The enemy is crafty, and he will use these schemes to undermine your trust in God when you least expect it.
Nevertheless, remember that the Lord your God is faithful to be your strong redeemer and will not be triumphed. "Their Redeemer is strong, the Lord of hosts is His name; He will vigorously plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth" (Jeremiah 50:34).
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