confidence

Blogging on confidence tonight :) Confidence enables us to reach our goals, try new things, and stand independently. But there's a tricky part ~ confidence comes from believing in yourself. 

I'm afraid of making mistakes. We are all afraid of making the mistake that would ruin our lives. However, is there really such a thing? If we made every mistake that we feared would ruin us, our lives wouldn't be ruined. They would be very different and changed. But they wouldn't destroy us. 

Confidence is a learned skill. Comparing myself to the world or to others' lives is the thief of joy. I'm still learning the importance in recognizing your blessings and others' blessings, and keeping the two separate. It is entirely up to us to determine how much we are worth and matter. It is up to me to decide how I make meaning in the world, and up to you to decide how you do.

{Galatians 6:4 -- "Let everyone be sure to do his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work done well and won't need to compare himself with someone else."}

{Romans 12:6-7 -- "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophecy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach."}

keep in mind :)

--- You were designed on purpose, with intention, love, and care. 

--- You are broken - terribly broken - but the One who made you can also bind you up and make you whole. 

---You have hope- real hope for the next moment and season, for a lifetime and forever. 

Pastor and teacher Tim Keller explained it in this way: 

"We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time were are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." 

We don't have any reason to be confident in ourselves without Jesus. We are nothing. But when you add Jesus in the equation, you have every reason to find confidence in yourself through Him.  

It is so simple. But so profound. And much more difficult done than said.

We were intricately created. Each of you has many talents I don't have, but that I wish I could gain. Focusing on these "desired qualities" prevents us from recognizing all the positive talents and gifts we were given. You are not less worthy than someone else because they "hold" something you don't. We are discrediting God's power and beauty by not loving who God made us to be.

God created you specifically because the world needs a you. 

I am continuing to learn more everyday about trusting Jesus and putting my confidence fully in Him. Not letting the world define you is difficult. I'll leave with you the "keys to confidence" I have found to be true, challenging, and encouraging:

Never say or think negative things about yourself. Speak good about others. Stop comparing. Focus on your potential. Have the courage to be different. Learn to deal with criticism. Don't let the way another person treats you determine your worth. Stay positive. Place your worth in what Jesus thinks of you. Place your confidence in Him, not in this world. Confidence in Jesus is key. 

{{Jeremiah 17:7 -- "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who confidence is in Him."}}

You are special and unique. How cool is it that the same God that created the mountains and oceans and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you too.

happy spring! <3
~lauren