Act with Confidence and an Active Conscience - Part 2

Webster defines confidence as faith to act in an effective, proper way. Judith Hardwick in The Plateauing Trap states, “Real confidence comes from knowing and accepting yourself, your strengths and limitations rather than depending on affirmation from others.” So, confidence depends on an effective, healthy conscience.

Confidence also depends on knowing what is trustworthy. Psalm 116:7 states assuredly, “Be confident, my heart, for the Lord has been good to me.” Experience gave the Psalmist assurance God could be trusted with whatever he had to face. God can be trusted to warn us of attempts to deviate from what is trustworthy.

God’s word makes us aware of appropriate boundaries to center our lives around. Micah 7:7 provides encouragement: “I watch in hope for the Lord. I wait confidently for God my Savior to hear and save me.” So, give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever. Our conscience gives witness to these facts.  

Feeling Afraid? Remember Your Faith in God - Part 3

Fear is one of the culprits that prevent capable individuals from seizing their highest potential. So many persons have excellent possibilities, but can't seem to find the confidence to pursue their ideals. Even when opportunity is present, fear or anxiety may evolve into procrastination, causing hesitation until the opportunity has passed.

Submitting to fear and mediocrity undervalues your ability to reach higher. Mediocrity can be comfortable and safe but cannot quiet the inner voice that knows there’s an untapped higher purpose. Disappointment with oneself because of failure to utilize untapped possibilities challenges us to rise above mediocrity and press on toward the high calling we know is possible.

We discover God’s perfect plan when we’re willing to let go of the familiar and venture into the unknown. Consider Abraham, who left familiar surroundings for an unknown land - God's promise to give to him and his descendants, who would evolve into a nation. He activated the faith God gave him and reached for his highest potential.