CONFIDENCE VS. CERTAINTY
How many times a day do we make decisions, and our confidence wavers? What would our lives look like if we lived in a constant pool of certainty? The certainty that can’t be skewed by anything we do, think, or feel. Conviction that is not reliant on our actions, our circumstances, or our efforts.
Confidence is founded on a feeling, the state of our knowledge, the expectation of someone else’s abilities, or their reliability. Confidence rises and falls like the waves of the sea. So much depends on our circumstances. So much depends on our experiences.
But certainty…this is something different. Something reliable. Things that are certain are fixed in place. They are settled and unmoving. Dependable. Reliable. Indisputable. Facts.
This is the difference in confidence and certainty.
Confidence takes effort on our part.
Certainty is a place of rest.
Confidence is gained.
Certainty is a grant.
Without a clear view of the foundation of our faith, we allow our fluctuating confidence to replace the firm assurance of our relationship with our Father.
OUR NEW IDENTITY
There is a stable, trustworthy, unfailing truth we can plant ourselves in. It is concrete. This black and white, absolute, eternal, identity we find ourselves in when we have given our lives to Christ.
It’s non-negotiable.
It’s not up for debate.
It matters not what others’ opinions are in the matter.
If we are children of God, we can wrap our roots around these truths and trust that they are planted in good soil:
You were chosen by God.
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4
You were fearfully and wonderfully made.
“For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14
You are God’s child.
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:15-17
You have a renewed mind.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
You are secure in Christ.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
DIG IN
My dear sister (or brother) in Christ, regardless of our circumstances, our thoughts, or even what we have been taught, our Father holds us securely in His care.
I pray you get yourself a journal and start writing down the things you are thankful for each day. I pray you open God’s word and get to know Him this year. I pray you find others to do life with, to encourage, and let them encourage you, as God’s children.
And you do it from a place of unwavering assurance.
Our God is a good God. He is good at being God. And we can be certain He has good plans for us.
Happy New Year-
Kellie
Simple Faith 