Self-confidence is believing or trusting in one’s own abilities, judgments and qualities without needing approval or praise from others. It is self-assurance that one can control one’s own life without outside help.
God-Confidence is a steadfast trust in an all-powerful and all-knowing God. As someone has pointed out, “It does not disregard hard work, study or preparation. Instead, it acknowledges that all our abilities and success ultimately come from God’s grace.”
Job said with confidence: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes — I, and not another…” (Job 19:25-27 NIV1984). After God pointed out Job’s faulty discourse with his three friends, his self-confidence gave way to God-confidence.
The words “I know” and “we know” are found in certain Bible verses. The Hebrew word “yada” means “to know.” “It connotes a deep, intimate knowing, more than intellectual knowledge. Knowing and being known by God is central to our salvation and restoration” (Marisa Fritzemeier).
Paul had God-confidence despite his suffering for preaching the gospel, he said — “…I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for the day” (II Tim. 1:12). Do we have that kind of confidence in God? Trusting His promises and faithfulness can only come about as we study God’s Word and communicate with Him daily.
“I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future… You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:11, 13). This was God’s promise to the Israelites after their 70 years in captivity were over. If we seek Him with all our hearts, we, too, can be confident that we are secure in His hands. Solomon explained why there is no place for self-confidence in our relationship with God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).
Peter’s self-confidence failed him many times, but on one occasion, he and the other disciples were caught in a violent storm while rowing across the sea. Seeing Jesus walking on the water toward them, Peter was certain he could do it too if Jesus would bid him come. Jesus did. Suddenly afraid of the high winds, he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. Jesus caught him and said, “You of little faith… why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:31). Peter had to learn some hard lessons along the way, but in the end, his confidence in God became a way of life for him.
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true…” (I John 5:19-20).
Understanding these truths should bolster our confidence in God. Because we have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weakness, the Hebrew writer said, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb. 4:16).
