Satan is a bully who tries to make us feel small, inadequate, less than and insecure. But we don’t have to believe him anymore.
Often times He’ll use something to trigger our self-doubts and then he’ll pounce on us with lies. Today can be the day you decide YOU ARE are more than a conqueror through HIM who loves you!
I’ve got a short video message based on my book that will equip and empower you to stop letting doubt and discouragement beat you up and start letting God’s Word build you up instead! Watch this for a practical way to beat the bully of doubs with the power of God’s promises.
{Download FREE Confident Heart “Triggers and Truths” Printable here}
A Summer Diet of a Different Kind!
Lose the weight of self-doubt by joining over 40,000 other women who have gone on my FREE 7-Day Doubt Diet. Filled with daily insights, powerful promises and scripture-based prayers, you will receive a week’s worth of life-changing Confident Heart devotions.Sign up here
“Confidence Boost” Giveaway:
Today I’m giving away a year’s subscription to the P31 Woman magazine and a copy of my book, “A Confident Heart” (to keep or share with a friend) along with my message “Don’t Throw Away Your Confidence” on CD and a Starbucks gift card! To enter, click “share your thoughts” below this post and let’s talk about those things that trigger your doubts and what truth God spoke to your heart today through the video message and/or my P31 devotion.
And the WINNER is…. Erin Maxwell {announced July 26, 2012}
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this really hit home for me. I lack self confidence and self worth. I so much want to change. I read this and think ” Yes, she is so right” but by the end of the day, I am back to second guessing every decision, reading into every remark made by others. I hope to continue reading ” A Confident Heart” and learn to rely more on the Lord and less on my doubts. I am very grateful for what you are doing Renee.
I would love to win your book! Thank you so much for your honesty on the subject of self-doubt. I believe most people struggle with confidence at some time or another but usually do not admit to feeling this way. Sometimes I am amazed at the confidence that other people seem to have while I often agonize over simple decisions because of self-doubt and fear of what others will think of me. Your practical solutions and plan of action make perfect sense- focusing on God’s truths, His word, and His plan for us instead of our own doubts or satan’s lies. Thank you for reminding me to seek His will, His truth, first. Then there will be less room for doubt.
I was truly blessed by the devotional you shared today and realized that I too have experienced times of doubt, and lack of confidence particulary when I have chosen to lean to my own understanding.
I recently had a conflict with my colleague and wondered why I had allowed my anger to be my response. When I reflected on the incident, after reading your devotion, I now recognized that I was being controlled by doubt in both of our ability to succeed at the task while blaming my colleague for his expressed doubt. I was unwilling to admit my own self doubt.
I appreciate the perspective you shared today and know that I need as always to trust God completely by asking him to help me examine my triggers that overwhelm me when I am fearful of success or achieving what I am capable of. Thanks so much for this Godly solution today!
As I sit here reading today’s devotion, I realize how much it resonates with me! I hate living in doubt and yet I seem to be really good at it!!! I’m waiting to hear about a big job promotion – have been waiting – and I’ve gone from “this will be great” to “wow I wonder if I can do this?” to “they haven’t called – it’s a sign” to “they probably changed their minds” to “who am I kidding, I can’t do this” to “I’m not going to think about it any more” – yeah right! Thanks so much for the reminder and encouragement!
It never ceases to amaze me how I can hear something more than once and get something different out of it every time. I love your book and I will be requesting it to be our next book together in our Women’s Ministry class.
As a young adult, I took on a lot of responsibility for my parents who went thru a divorce and then my father remarried and as a result, I felt as though I failed my family and looking back – I see how my insecurities and unreasonable sense of responsibility for people and things out of my control grew…God has really been working on me, on my heart and mind to build me up in Him and overcome those negative feelings…it truly is amazing how He sends us messages like yours today at just the right time!
I am trying to do something that is way out of my comfort zone. I loved your devotional and video. It was great to remember that God is for me and that I can do all things through Christ! Thank you for sharing!
First of all, thank you for taking the time to encourage me with your message. I am literally the woman at the well and more…I will be completely honest here, I have been married five times and am now married again. Out of those marriages have come three of the most amazing kids all from different dads. My oldest daughter (25) is not speaking to me right now. She is married, living in their own home. The other two (daughter, 12 and son, 16) live with their dads. You can see why doubts and insecurities of being a good mom overcome me all the time but I try everyday to speak and think FM thoughts just to get through. Being the best mom I can, even if it’s from a distance, is my calling. I would love to read your book and be encouraged and learn how to have a confident heart. I know that God is in control and have laid my children at the foot of the cross and given them to Him! Thanks again for the encouragement. May the Lord bless you richly!!
I have a lot if doubt when I do what I feel God is asking of me but it doesn’t go as well as I hoped. Then I feel like I didn’t do it right or that I misread God. Gideon’s story reminded me to work through that, because God hasn’t left me.
I go from feeling confident to feeling like a fake most days. I need God’s wisdom to change me….my thoughts and what I value. I am leading a group study on your book with some of my neighbors and they think I know what I am doing but I probably have the least confidence of all. I actually don’t have your book because I gave my copy to one of the participants to encourage her to come. Thank you for allowing God to use you this way.
Thanks so much I needed that major. I’m struggling especially at work. Thanks
Wow, God is ALWAYS on time. I was just discussing my fear and self-doubt last night with my husband and my sister. I am finally tired of doubting myself. The devotion and webcast reminded me that I an fearfully and wonderfully made. I plan to be ready to counter my “AM” thoughts with my “FM” thoughts starting today, thank you!
This is something I live with daily. Insecure about so many things. I pray every morning for a fresh look o. Things sometims I have the confidence I need but most of time I have doubt. I had forgotten about that story in the Bible. Thank you so much for your pick me up this morning.
When my husband left, the last of my confidence seemed to walk out the door with him. The last two years, I have been working on rebuilding, and trying to focus on God’s truths and His promises. I am the mother of two young sons whom I want to raise well, and often find myself second-guessing my decisions concerning them. I almost didn’t leave a comment, because after I read some of the previous ones, the self-doubt talk of, “See, these women deserve this book so much more than you!!!” came out. So, I am taking the first step by leaving a comment. Thank you for this opportunity. I would love this book:)
I struggle a lot with my confidence. I worry a lot about what others think of me too. I like the idea of having these Fm thoughts ready ahead of time so that when doubts come we can stop them from overcoming us. Thank you so much for sharing. I really needed this to start my day!
I was 16 when my dad left my mom and 9 children. I was very close to my dad, so when he left, I became very insecure, filled with doubt and fear that I still struggle with to this day. I have moments when I feel I have finally overcome those thoughts, but it is always easier to slip right back there every time something happens to trigger them. I lack self-confidence and constantly struggle over what people would think of me if they knew the real me. I always feel like I am taking more steps backwards than forward and wonder sometimes why God hasn’t given up on me yet.
God called me to leave my teaching job at a Christian School where I had taught for 21 years. At His bidding, I have started a school for students desiring a Christian education that could not attend traditional Christian schools because of severe academic or behavior problems.(autistic, bipolar, etc.) I love the place God has me, but feel so insecure about the business side of things. We have finished our first year. It is amazing to see how God provides! I just need to learn to walk confidently in a new calling.
Janet,
I hope you get this message. How remarkable that you have started this school. I teach entrepreneurship and am an entrepreneur myself. Please read the book “start something that matters” by Blake mycoski’s. So e really great thought and practical support for business creation. What you are doing is truly inspirational.
Janet: You are an inspiration for me. I am ready to follow God’s calling to open a law firm/ministry to serve women and families in crisis, to offer them a place to go to get legal help and healing from a Christian foundation and to help reverse some of the cultural decay that has devastated women and children. So many of the legal arid organizations have become secular, progressive havens, that there is nothing available for Christians who want to fight against the enemy’s war on the family and children. It is way outside my comfort zone to go out on my own, so to speak, and God is challenging me. I’m so blessed by your story. Renee’s study has been invaluable to me as well since the enemy has been working overtime to destroy my confidence and convince me that I cannot do this. Thanks for book suggestion Juli.
Love and blessings,
Mary
that is very wonderful that you are giving the children and families an opportunity thru Gods help and strength! God is with you! some of my family members and myself could have benefited from something like your school 🙂
Today I am up early…(too early) after a night when I never really got to sleep… Very thankful to read today’s P31 entry. Thank you for your words of encouragement . I think that I could learn a lot from your book..
I;ve been dealing with malignant brain cancer for 9+ years . I struggle with holding onto my God’s confident heart… so many setbacks… then feeling hopeful again… only to be smashed flat again over and over.
BUT…
I am confident in my faith in Christ and the love of God our Father…
But my own confident heart ??? Seems like the beginning of that old song that starts off — “To Dream the Impossible Dream…”
Thanks again for your devotion today…
praying for you to rest and trust in God through the tough times andy easier times also. please pray for me as I have a similar challenge with health issues. thanks! pray for my family also assome of them are still going and coming to God or hesitate in returning to him, and some are seemingly not wanting Him at all.
I am my worst critic and I constantly doubt myself and my decisions. I want FM thoughts, not AM thoughts (love that idea).
Amazing God gives us just what we need. i have been feeling insecure at work because of my teams results. This message immediately boosted my confidence! I will now walk with assurance that i am a conqueror no more AM just FM for me
one of my worst triggers are my mother’s comments always negative never encouraging, incapable of recognize the good deeds of anyone, on the contrary always talking about others lack of this or that, very critical of others behavior and never realizing how god has bless her 85 yrs of life after loosing her mother at age 9 i know she has a hard life and i pray god will fill me with patience empathy understanding so we can have a wonderful mother daughter relationship before she dies , she claims that she is a firm believer that god exist and that he has been with her all hr life that is good but she refuses to go to church and when she does someone’s funeral that is about all she has gone to church for she is very disruptive and talk a lot , she beleives in giving to charity and that makes her feel ok wth god always someone is doing something to her everyone is bad and mean to her, that is why she attacks everyone and criticizes dimish them and insult them always looking to start an argument,,, she does that with me a lot and i try not to call her for a couple of days so i can take a mental brake,, since i also have to deal with a bipolar /drug addict son who is 40 yrs…. that is also a huge trigger point for me and my insecurities and anxieties,,,, even thoug i very thankful to have receive god in my life whos is the source of my strengjht and who reminds me that he loves me and that all i need is his love to keep me strong, thrugh him i have been able to cope wth alll this burden and trials that i been going thru and now i’, able to help others wth theirs struggles. he just mold me to make me stronger and i give all the glory to him…
Briseida, I also have a negative, critical mother. Our relationship changed as I walked more in Gods love. . Sounds like you’re already on that path.
The stress of raising a child on my own and all that entails (physical exhaustion, financial issues, etc.) is my number one trigger. I always question whether I am doing a good job or I’m making the right decision.
Was thinking about how difficult this would be just yesterday! Keep up the good work and just keep asking the Lord to give you wisdom to know how to do it right!
Florence, I was single mom to 3 kids. I found the Lord at that time. Remember that when you feel weak Jesus is there to help and guide you. You’re not alone. Do your best and rest in Him. . Stay blessed dear sister.
I suffer from lack of confidence, insecurity, and fear everyday. I really want to learn how to do away with those fears and rely solely on God; on His strength and His view of me. I have a problem with thinking way to much about what others think of me. Another thing I struggle with is trying to please everyone and doing what everyone else wants me to do rather than what is best for me. The beat thing I can is work through this book and pray and ask God to help. I have this book already but if I win I would love to share this wonderful message with a friend! Blessings Renee for writing such a great book!
Today I’m sitting on a deck overlooking a humming bird feeder and watching its visitors chase each other to and from the feeder to a near by tree. Up til now only one at a time would stop and drink the sweet nectar and then hurry away before the other would buzz past.
I try to find solace in this tiny cabin and it’s beautiful surroundings but did not find peace until this morning. A few things plague my thoughts. Our ministry ” Walk on water equine therapy” weighs heavy on my mind as it becomes more demanding in caring for the horses and trying to make a difference in the lives we touch. I am fatigued at best. On top of that I have accepted a new position as a pre k teacher in a public school. I wanted the opportunity not only to teach but to demonstrate the Lord’s love to at risk children. It’s a challenging task that I have prayed about for 5 years and God answered miraculously just 6 weeks ago. On the home front I have four children, teens and a 21 year old. Two which are sold out for God and two who I am in constant prayer over.
So self doubt consumes me at times, especially now. How do I do all things well and to the glory of God? How do accomplish all that He has set before me? He said to seek Him first right?
My daughter sat on the porch 2 days ago writing from her bible. I asked what she was doing? “I’m writing a bible study for my youth group, mom.”. She explained she had been watching the hummingbirds as well. ” mom they just won’t be still. If they would be still they would get all that they needed. “. Oh my goodness. She was right! And there was God talking to me through my 15 year old. ” Be still and know that I am God”. How many times have I told her the same thing.
So this morning as I was reading my devotion from proverbs 31 God showed me what he meant. The humming birds who would barely feed at all…stopped and sipped….I’d never seen a humming bird stop, have you? Not only that both humming birds perched together at the feeder and drank. Then for the first time as well God sent a myriad of birds chirping and singing as if to say ” be still my daughter and come drink with me and you will see my glory manifest through you. “.
I’m glad that my Lord takes the time to physically show us that he can meet our needs if we are just still and know that HE is God.
Dear Sis. Patti,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for posting this! I’m at a place in my life where it seems the struggles keep coming more and more and more…..it seems the more I try to commit myself to God the more attacks I keep going through, mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, you name it I am going through it. I’m a single mother of 6 kids from 19 down to a set of 16 month old twins, no job no income coming in AT ALL, alone. I’m SO drained, I’m so tired I feel alone with a lot of questions most of the time but its when I get confirmations like the one I just read through your post it let’s me know that I am truly on the right path. Recently at Church one of the sisters there told me to “Be Still” then I read your post, which I usually honestly was not going to do (you know those voices in your head prompting you not to do what you really should) but praise God I did…..and he told me yet again thanks to your 15 year old baby…..”BE STILL”! He is working it all out. For me, for you, for those of us who are truly seeking his face….I know I am!
So I THANK YOU and I encourage you to keep moving towards him through it all. He’s got us!!!!
God Bless You!
Davine
Thank you for that wonderful comment!
It is amazing how often God uses ‘our’ environment to show us mini yet profound spiritual truths by using His creation to teach and confirm in our spirit the things that He is wanting us to grasp. I live in one of the suburbs of outer Darwin in Australia and when I examined the heavens tonight it was so amazing and peaceful! I have struggled with self esteem issues and also with incredible back & neck pain and currently are not working and thus are struggling with the feelings associated with not working. Despite not feeling a sense of purpose in life God has also recently told me: ‘To be still and know that I am God!’ So thank you for sharing about what God has been telling you. This correlates with my own experience and communicated a sense of peace despite my situation. God’s richest blessings to you, your family and ministry.
Reading this experience I am reminded too that God is calling me to still myself before Him.He cannot make me be still but I have to want to come and drink from Him.He is the resource for all that is needed for me to overcome.Yet it is I who must still myself before Him.I have a hard time sitting down and waiting on the Lord. Thank you for sharing this with the readers.Quite the truth I needed to hear for this season of my busy life.
I took the step of faith I knew God was calling me to (to homeschool our children), but then struggle with doubt when others disagree or are critical. I care too much about the opinion of others…assuming they’re smarter than I am. Then, I end up discouraged and feeling defeated.
You are about to embark on a wonderful adventure that will allow you to see how GOD is the one who will give you everything you need to homeschool your children, in fact He already has, as you obviously love them and are willing to make a huge personal sacrafice to obey God and give your children the best education. My youngest child is a sophmore in the toughest state university in our state, and my middle daughter is returning there to get her doctorate of nursing after graduating summa cum laude with her BS in nursing and then going right to work to gain experience for two years before returning. I homeschooled both of them for the parts of their education that God called me to do. It gave them excellent study skills and ability to work independently and really learn, not just pass tests that teachers would let them continue taking until they passed or bring in extra hand soap or tissues to get extra credit which was a practice in the public school. I didn’t know about the homeschool option with my oldest child, now 29, and if I were to ever feel guilty or doubt myself, it would be for not getting to homeschool him at all. However, the Lord has been gracious to me in allowing me to see that He is always in control and doesn’t want me to ever feel guilty about something I didn’t know about. All of my children are bright, well socialized, hard working, successful people who love the Lord and are confident and hopeful about their futures.
I had to return to work when my youngest was ready for high school so she did go to the public highschool. Her faith and roots were strong and she was a tremendous light in her high school, not part of the cliques that had begun years before and she continues to be part of a Christian group at the university that ministers to high school youth, establishing relationships with them in order to win the right to be able to share with them about Jesus. We tell everyone God has a perfect plan for their lives and then try to make it our plan or at least give God some helpful hints. He doesn’t need our help, just our trust and obedience.
During my children’s lives we did public, private and homeschool. We woud take it step by step, and ask God for His guidance and try our best to follow His lead. Homeschooling was definitely the most exhausting and gratifying. So many positives that they outweighed the challenges, including what others might have thought about our decision. If God has called you to this, He will take you through it and it will be a wonderful thing. ENJOY!
I was reading page 101 of A Confident Heart. I realized I already had a God given dream that I can and will pursue. I have a heart to bring Gods” Word to the elderly. I’m starting a Bible Study at the elderly tower where I live. And I may see if doors open so I can teach the Word at the nursing home I work at. Then I turned on a Joseph Prince message today about pursuing our God given dreams empowered by God”s love. Please pray with me that doors will open for me at the nursing home. Thank you for all I’m learning from Renee and her book. And the wonderful sisters who post comments.
I really am doing this for my mom, she needs to see this video, so as soon as I can, I will show her this video. My mom has lots of insecurities and fear in her life. I think this confidence gift pack would boost her confidence and your book will to. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us to help us. I will tell her about the AM/FM channels in our hearts. We must have more FM thoughts. Thank you Renee for sharing your heart. I pray that mom will be able to receive this CONFIDENCE BOOST gift pack.