A New Room

I attended a conference today and it reminded me of how far I still have to go with my self-confidence.

Before arriving I made sure I had plenty of time to do my hair and make-up. I was meeting people I had never met before and I felt first impressions were important.

I double checked the confirmation email to make sure I had the right date, time and place. I left with plenty of time to spare in case there was bad traffic or an unexpected delay.

When I arrived I sat in the car park for a little while as I didn’t want to be the first in the building. I wasn’t sure who I would meet and how much small talk I would have to make before the conference actually kicked off.

When I wrote down my movements of this morning it made me think of an insecure teenager. While I’m already in my late 30s I guess I still have a little way to go in feeling confident about who I am. Am I alone? I wish I was but I presume not.

This is often how people feel when they come to church for the first time or a new job or a new social setting. Some people even cancel opportunities as they are too overwhelmed to go anywhere new.

While I wish I didn’t have these insecurities, I do acknowledge them, and then ensure they don’t stop me from moving forward.

If I really believed what God says of me I would be assured that I am beautifully and wonderfully made (Ps 139). I would remember He values me so highly that He gave His ultimate gift of His Son so I could have the best life possible being free from the burden of sin (John 3.16).

I feel that life will always throw challenges my way and that my own insecurities will limit me. And so I need to continually remind myself that a loving, gracious God made me and wants the best for me. Living with the Creator of the Universe by my side should give me all the confidence I require.

Lord, may I find hope in You so I may banish my fear and live in Your freedom. Amen.

What holds you back?

brave, challenges, confidence, doubt, fear, insecurity