Tag: confidence

Posted in Life

Confidence

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

A recent WordPress prompt suggested I answer the question, “Who’s the most confident person you know?” After giving it some thought, I’m ready to respond.

Me.

I am the most confident person I know.

I am decisive. It doesn’t take me long to decide what I want to order at a restaurant or what I want to write about. At the library, I quickly pick out the book I want to read.

When asked, “Can you do this?” I typically say, “Yes.” I am confident of my ability to figure out a solution to a problem.

Can I learn how to use new technology? Can I speak in front of an audience? Will I try a new recipe? Can I cook for a crowd? Can I do that workout? Can I install that appliance, fix that leak, or patch that hole?

Of course. Let’s do it. Or at least, let’s give it a try. Confidence isn’t about getting it right or getting it done. It’s an attitude. I’ll figure it out. I’ll find a solution. There’s always a way.

What’s the source of my confidence? I don’t know. It’s probably a mix of influences, from being a first-born child who was raised to be independent, possessing a logical mind and a resilient spirit.

Confidence means you’re aren’t afraid to try. Confidence means you’re not competing with others. You’re just trying to be the best version of you. Confidence means there’s always a solution. Confidence see the possibilities.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Yes, he will do it!

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by NASA on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from Exodus 12.

It’s only been in my lifetime that satellite images, doppler radar, and computer models have equipped meteorologists to warn us of approaching hurricanes a week before they arrive. I am certain that a century ago, those who dared live in a pre-air conditioned Florida looked felt the wind, saw the surf kick up, and concluded, “Yep, looks like a big storm’s coming.” Today, living in Florida, the hint of a tropical wave drifting off the coast of the African continent generates a week’s worth of excitement for those who love to predict the path of a coming storm.

I am thankful for the extra time to prepare for severe weather. I have spend the night listening to the wind and rain of a category four hurricane, wondering which tree will come through my roof and when our power will be restored.

I’ve prepared for storms that never materialized, too. I’ve cancelled appointments, stocked up on supplies, brought every loose item in from the back yard, and bought extra gas for the generator. But the rain never came. It was a breezy day, but I still saw blue in the sky. I hate to admit it, but if it happens enough, one tends to pay minimal attention to those dire predictions.

As God prepares his people to leave Egypt, he instructs them to paint the door posts and lintels of their homes with the blood of a lamb they will roast and eat that night. Moses passes along these instructions:

“Now you shall eat it in this way: with your garment belted around your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in a hurry—it is the Lord’s Passover” (Exodus 12:11).

In other words, follow these instructions with confidence and certainty. God is going to do this. You are going to leave Egypt tomorrow!

So what if we lived as if God were going to do exactly what he says? Like the person who prayed for rain and left the house carrying an umbrella. Or the people in a wilderness who only gathered up what they needed for one day, confident of God’s daily provision (Exodus 16:4). Some household budgets include a tithe, because God promises to give even more (Malachi 3:10).

If you know God at all, you know he’s faithful. Become familiar with his promises. And then live with the confidence that he will do it!

Posted in Devotions, Lent

“I’m going in”

Posted on by William Douthwaite

2020 “By His Blood” Lent devotion #38

Photo by Ágatha Depiné on Unsplash

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

When I go to…
…my daughter’s house…my son’s house…my in-laws’ house
I have no doubt they will welcome me, give me something to drink, offer me some snacks, and let me hang out with them for a while. 

Am I that confident to enter the holy places?

In a word. No. 

The holy places? That’s where God is. The nation of Israel was content to let Moses go up in the cloud while they watched at a distance. The priests did their thing in the holy place of the temple while I watch from outside. And I am content to let Jesus be my intercessor before God, paving the way for me to be in heaven one day.

But today? I’ll keep my distance, thank you. 

It’s time to get past that. I’ve been forgiven because Jesus shed his blood for me on the cross. I am confident that he is my Savior. I have no doubt that I am clean and righteous in his sight. 

So I’m going in. I’m going in by prayer. I’m going in through his word. I’m entering in through the waters of my baptism and the sacrament at the altar. 

Jesus has opened the door for me. I’m going in!

Thank you, Lord, for making a way for me to be in your presence today and forever. Amen.