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“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” — Hebrews 10:35 (NIV)


How do you move from point A to point B when your confidence is nonexistent and you’re overwhelmed by the endless possibilities of failure? Many of us wrestle with this question, especially when stepping into unfamiliar territory or facing challenges that stretch us beyond our comfort zone.


Sometimes we lack confidence because we don’t trust in our own ability. We would gladly step aside and allow someone else—someone we think is more qualified, skilled, or courageous—to take on the task that stirs our fear. We defer, not because we’re incapable, but because we’ve convinced ourselves we don’t have what it takes to succeed.


But here’s the truth: God never intended for us to rely solely on ourselves. The Word reminds us in Hebrews 10:35, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” This confidence isn’t about our human abilities. It’s about the assurance we have in God—His power, His promises, and His presence with us every step of the way.


When our confidence feels small or shaky, we can rest in knowing that it was never meant to be about us. Our strength and courage come from trusting in the One who calls and equips us. God specializes in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things—not because of who they are, but because of who He is.


So, instead of casting away your confidence today, hold tightly to it. Not confidence in yourself, but in the God who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that you can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).


Reflections:


Where have you been tempted to defer to others out of fear or lack of confidence?


How can you shift your focus from your own limitations to God’s limitless power?


What step of faith is God asking you to take today, trusting in His ability rather than your own?


Prayer:

Lord, I admit that sometimes I feel overwhelmed and unqualified. I allow fear to convince me that I can’t do what You’ve called me to do. Help me not to cast away my confidence. Remind me that my trust is in You, not in myself. Strengthen me to move forward in faith, knowing that You will equip me for every good work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.



Psalm 94:19 NLT

"When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."


Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty. When it enters our minds, we can be flooded with all kinds of thoughts that cause us to question what we are experiencing. Doubt can also act as a defense mechanism, promoting us to pause, reflect, and evaluate whether what we are recieving is rooted in truth.


While having doubts is normal, living in a constant state of doubt is unhealthy. Remaining in this state opens the door to instability, confusion, fear, and a lack of confidence in God's ability. It is a tactic the enemy often uses to discourage believers. When we begin to doubt God, our faith weakens, and we become vulnerable to double-mindedness.


Our Heavenly Father invites us to bring our doubts to Him so he can renew our minds through his Word. When our minds are overwhelmed by what we see, hear and experience, the Holy Spirit is there to remind us of God's promises and follow us with His hope, peace and joy.


Renewing our minds with Scripture helps keep unhealthy doubting at bay and shuts the door on the enemy's attempt to use it as a weapon against God's people.


When you feel doubtful, run to the Word of God and find scriptures that dismantle the instrusive thoughts rooted in hopelessness and fear. Any thought fueles by doubting God's ability to show up in your life is trespassing. When you meditate on the word and believe it with wholeheartedly, you will be able to serve doubt an eviction notice.


Matthew 11:28-30 TPT

"Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis, simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you'll discover that I'm gentle, humble, easy to please, you will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear."


Jesus asks a question that many of us can answer with a firm yes. Because He knows what we face each day, He invites us to come to Him and experience the continual refreshing that only he can provide.


It's true--only Jesus can fill us with His love, joy, peace, and strength when we feel depleted. He understands how life's challenges can take a toll on us, especially when we rely on our own strength instead of leaning into His.


Jesus also gives us instructions that help keep us refreshed. When we take a moment to pause, stop what we're doing, and carve out quality time to seek Him, we can count on Him eagerly waiting for us to lay our burdens at His feet. It is in that place of vulnerability that we find relief from the weight of our problems and deepest concerns.


He promises to teach us His ways so that we can find rest and renewal in times of weariness. As we allow the Word of God to penetrate our hearts, we begin to see what truly matters. Often, the things that weigh us down are the endless demands of work, home, ministry and everything in between. But Jesus reminds us that what He gives us is a burden we can carry. Whatever we are assigned to God gives us the grace to carry it. Everything else is unnecessary and only serves to slow us down, keeping us stuck and overwhelmed.


If you begin to feel the crushing weight of life, run to Jesus. Life was never meant to crush you. Jesus gave His life so that you could live in the abundance of His Spirit.


Reflection


  1. What burdens are you carrying today that you need to lay at Jesus' feet?

  2. In what areas of your life have you been relying on your own strength instead of leaning into His?

  3. What might God be asking you to release so you can walk freely and lightly with Him?

  4. How can you make intentional time this week to pause and seek refreshment in God's presence?


Prayer


Heavenly Father, thank You for Your invitation to come and find rest in You. I confess that I often try to carry things on my own, and it leaves me tired and overwhelmed. Today, I lay down my pride and every burden at Your feet---my worries, responsibilities, and fears. Teach me Your ways. Help me to walk in Your peace and depend on Your strength. Thank You for being my oasis, my place of refreshment. I choose to rest in You today. In Jesus' Amen.


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