Uniontown Church of Christ     

"Confidence"

     What in the world does confidence have to do with improving my prayer life?  Let us begin by taking a look at Paul's words in Philippians 4:11-13: "Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

     You see, Paul had learned to be confident in the fact that no matter what life handed him, God would sustain him.  Are you beginning to see how confidence can affect your prayer life?  Whatever your present situation might be... shattered dreams...grief...money problems...family issues...health concerns... Do you have the confidence to approach your Father in prayer, knowing that however unpleasant life's trials may be, He will give you the strength to endure.  Not only will He give you the strength to endure, but even the wisdom to grow as you travel this life's rock strewn path!  Take time in prayer to give your burden to the Almighty.  Be confident that He will bring you through your trials.  Be confident of His love.  Be confident of His care.  Be confident that He has made His strength available to you.

     Dr. John C. Maxwell makes this observation regarding confidence, "...the first thing confidence does is stabilize you, the second thing it does is stretch you.  The moment I have my foundation strong and stable, I am then in a position to begin stretching.  Think about a rubber band which is totally useless unless it is stretched.  When insecurity keeps us from stretching and growing, we end up with a life that is as unexciting and useless as a limp rubber band."  Use your prayer life as a way of building and exemplifying your confidence in the Father.  This will provide you with the foundation so necessary as you are stretched by the trials of life that bring about the spiritual growth that makes us even more useful in His work.

     "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am... I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."  A beautiful picture of a confident life, is it not?

-J.F. Watson

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