Sufficient for the Tasks!

Have you ever been apprehensive about something you were called upon to do? Perhaps it was a situation which made you feel a bit awkward. Or possibly you simply felt you weren’t fully qualified to do the task. When we lack self-confidence there may be things we either completely refuse to try or at least approach very hesitantly. However, there is a positive side to possessing a lack of self-confidence. Self-confidence has actually gotten some people into great trouble. Some have launched themselves into situations where they quickly found themselves in over their head. Having CONFIDENCE is a powerful support when we are fulfilling various tasks, but when that CONFIDENCE is completely in self there ought to be some uneasiness.

Did Paul ever struggle with apprehension? It appears he may have had some as he began his work in Corinth. He referred to himself as having come to them in weakness, fear, and much trembling. ( 1 Corinthians 2:3-4) However, he was encouraged by God with regard to the work there. ( Acts 18:9-10) Though Paul knew full well his own weaknesses, he seemed to have a marvelous way of focusing beyond himself to let God use him for the tasks at hand.

In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth he acknowledged with regard to his ministry…
“(4) Such is the CONFIDENCE that we have THROUGH CHRIST TOWARD GOD.
(5) Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us. OUR SUFFICIENCY IS FROM GOD, (6) WHO HAS MADE US COMPETENT to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” ( 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 ESV)

Over the years I have found myself in many situations where I felt a real lack of self-confidence. But I was faced with something that needed to be done: some advice to be given, some support extended, a burden to help bear, a word of encouragement or exhortation, a conflict to help resolve, etc. And many times this has been with people I had never before met. Yet when I would remember to move my focus beyond self and let God use me in the moment, it has most often turned out to have been a fruitful situation to His glory.

When we place the confidence in ourselves we are bound to struggle. Let us therefore center our CONFIDENCE in the God Who is not going to ask us to do something He will not provide the strength to fulfill. When it comes to the fulfilling of His Will He will continually prove faithful. May we humbly allow Him to use us to His glory and praise.

Have a great day LIVING A GOD-CONFIDENT LIFE!
Carl

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