Am I Sure

It was a great day!  I pray for all of us that at the end of our days, we can say that.  Yet, truth be told, we don't always say that - at least I don't.  Some days are just not so great.  We can wake up ready to take on the world.  Then one misstep, one change of direction, one small blip on the radar screen, and it can take a very different turn.

I find that this happens for me when my confidence gets shaken.  I hope you can relate - those times when we have done our very best, all seems to be going well, and then "blip", somebody says something to you and you question your decisions, your path, your direction.  

Those times when:

• You worked hard preparing a special dinner, feel confident that you've made a great meal...
• then a family member says, "Are you sure you want to add this to the recipe box?"
• You researched and worked hard to have the perfect birthday party, confident it will be a hit . . .
• then your child says, "Are you sure the kids are going to like this?"
• You developed and delivered a great project at work, confident that everyone will agree. . . 
• then your boss says, "Are you sure this is the direction we should go in?"

"Am I sure?"  It becomes that immediate feeling that overwhelms me.  Maybe I'm not working hard enough, maybe I'm not good enough, maybe I can't see what other people can see.  "Am I sure?" becomes the lingering question in my mind, and the confidence I once had seems to have fleeted away.

Is this something you can relate to?  Feeling really confident in something you have done only to have it washed away?  This verse presented itself in three different situations this week - and made me realize that the reason my confidence so quickly vanishes is because my confidence is built on my actions.  Oh how wrong I am!!

When I trust in Jesus, my confidence takes a completely different turn!  If I go to Jesus FIRST, I find that I can feel Him beside me, guiding me, instead of me taking the lead.  Not only is the experience a much better one - the outcome is glorious - as my confidence is rooted in Him.  When does that happen?  When I go to Him in prayer BEFORE I start that dinner, that party, or that project.  When I ask for His guidance instead of my own.  He then provides for me all that I need - the confidence I need to keep going comes from Him. 

When I speak at a workshop, my prayers start when I am preparing the message.  By the time I need to stand before others, I may be a bit nervous, but I am confident that He has given me the words that will make the difference.  Trusting in Jesus gives one the confidence to move forward, in any aspect of life.

It's not easy - this thing called life.  It can be hard to have a great day every day.  Yet, when we trust in the ONLY one who can help us through life, we can be confident that every day is a great day.  He is with us from morning to night, and we can be sure that His loving arms are around us the entire time!

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the confidence to walk through our lives and to enjoy each day.  Not every day will be perfect, but when we trust in you and ask you to guide our lives, we can be confident that our direction is clear, our path is sound, and your love abounds.  May we always go to you to find our confidence.  In your loving name we pray, Amen!