So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  Hebrews 10:35 

 

You can spot them in any group. They have that special “something” that sets them apart. What is it? Their sense of direction - an assurance that they know where they’re going! Their awareness of their own abilities! Their sincerity! Their past successes! Their ability to make eye contact and use body language! In a word - confidence! Paul had it. Listen: '... I have learned [during a lifetime of walking with God] the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough. I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength' (Philippians 4:12-13 NCV). These verses cannot be separated because there’s a definite relationship between experiencing life’s lows and enjoying its highs. Paul rests in the assurance that his strength comes from Christ alone. Knowing that gave him the ability to handle every circumstance he encountered! Confidence is taking your present situation - whatever obstacle you’re facing, whatever limitation you’re living with, whatever chronic condition wears you down, whatever has smashed your dreams, whatever factors in life tend to push you under - admitting you don’t like it, but never saying 'I can’t cope.' As soon as you say, 'I can’t cope,' you’re: (a) contradicting the promises of God (b) failing to draw on the resources that He’s already given you. Confidence means having the ability to stand up to any test, because Christ has made His strength available - through you!