"God-fidence"

"...when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:2-4

One of the first things I learned as a new Christian was that anything the world tells you is valuable, wise, important, or the "right" thing to do was the opposite of the truth, God's Word. One of those "worldly sayings" tells you to have confidence in yourself and do what you feel. To my detriment, that mentality has gotten me into trouble more times than I care to count. Through prayer and study, I have come to find that my personal confidence is powered by what I call "God-fidence", meaning not having confidence in myself at all but placing that confidence in what God the Father can and will do through me. James Chapter 1 pointedly explains what we must do to avoid the pitfalls of this world, which includes obedience, faithfulness, watching our tongue, carrying God's promises in our hearts and minds, and having a right attitude concerning the trials and tribulations that we will go through. What is even more important is that Jesus told us that we would have trials and tribulations, but not to fear, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Contemplate

• Are you an overcomer? John 16:33
• Do you put on your armor? Ephesians 6:11-18
• Do you ask for wisdom? James 1:5-6

Practice 
We are running a race to a glorious finish and anything less than striving to be what Christ has called us to be is what can make this race disappointing for us, and the disappointment comes in the sense of knowing what our Father expects of us and not acknowledging Him in any and every situation. We won't be perfect, and that is not the goal, perfection is only Christ. The goal is having a relationship with Christ and following His commands while allowing Him to carry us through the trials and tribulations, fight our battles, and "perfect that which concerns you"(Psalm 138:8). While we run this race of life, ask for forgiveness, be humble, and watch how Christ moves on your behalf. Place your confidence in Him and see how your "God-fidence" grows.

Prayer
Father, forgive me. Forgive me for any sin, attitude, doubt, and unedifying words that separates me from knowing You fully. You are my everything and the source of my strength. It is You who provides all of my needs. My confidence is not in myself but in You who is the creator of all things. Give me the wisdom I need to navigate the pitfalls of this world and the revelation that these trials and tribulations I am facing are for my good and Your Glory. Strengthen my confidence in You so that I can boldly accomplish those things You called me to do. Help me to see where You are working and encourage me to continue in this race. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your forgiveness. I praise You right now for all that You have done, in Jesus' Precious Name, Amen.

~ Stacey
Women of Grace Member