So excited to start this “Confident Heart” journey with you!
The first thing I want you to remember: This is YOUR journey. You’ll be reading the chapters, listening to God speak to your heart, highlighting sentences, promises and quotes you want to remember and apply. You’ll be answering reflection questions and interacting with the group.
You’ll be doing the work of believing God!
I’ll be shepherding, leading, encouraging, connecting and pacing us. I’ll be sharing my heart and more of my story…because I want you to see you are not alone and give you courage to see and share yours. I’ll be praying for you and challenging you – but you’ll only get out as much as you put in.
Today, I asked the Lord what I needed to give up – so I can give more to Him – and this study. I immediately sensed Him whispering “work.” And I knew it was Him. I love my job and I’ve been working too many late night hours after the kids go to bed. So I’m cutting back the next several weeks to consecrate more of me TO HIM and to you!
What will you cut back on to make time for Him and yourself these next several weeks? I’m really going to challenge you and give you permission to block out at least a little bit of time each day to concentrate on replacing the OLD with the NEW He has for you! Ready? Here we go:
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A Confident Heart Online Study (Day 1)
Read the Acknowledgements (I’ll explain tomorrow why I wanted you to do this).
Read Chapter 1. Please highlight verses and sentences that grab your attention or tug on your heart. What is God saying to you though this chapter? Write down what you sense God speaking to your heart in the margins of your book, or in a journal/notebook that you’ll use throughout this study.
A video message from my heart to yours is coming later tonight. I’ll post it on my website later since I’m not quite ready to post it yet. But I wanted to go ahead get this loaded so you can get started!
I’ll send an email and post on our Confident Heart Facebook page to let you know when the video is up and ready for viewing.
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GROUP CHAT: What sentences in Chapter 1 resonate with you or tug at your heart?
Click “Share Your Thoughts” below (or click here and scroll to the bottom of this post) if you’re reading this via email).
Also, please share one or two on our Confident Heart Facebook Page or on Twitter (@reneesswope) using the hashtag #AConfidentHeart.
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Page 22 Listening to doubts whispers- This statement really struck me “self-doubt blocks the promise of God’s power and truth to change us from the inside out so that we can live with a confident heart” I wrote in the margins: “pray-God change me from the inside out” this is the place where real change must take place and it must be a change that God does!
I have to agree with the prior posts. The part about the shadow really made me think about the power that we put into our doubt, and how large we make the doubt. Also the part regarding your father hit home to me in so many ways. I did not have that father either – instead it was a father who yelled and didn’t form any bond with me. I still do not have a relationship with him to this day.
I have always been severely lacking in self-confidence… those doubt whispers have taken me down so many times. I love this from chapter 1… “You can only see the shadow because you’ve turned away from the light. Turn back toward the light.” That’s so true. As soon as we buy into those whispers of doubt we’ve turned away from the light. And from the power it gives us to be confident… not in ourselves, but in HIM. Such great perspective Renee.
PS Our bible study group starts your book together this Wednesday night! What great timing doing this with them and with you online!
The statement from the first chapter that really struck me was, “You can only see the shadow because you have turned away from the Light”. Insecurity, doubt, fear of rejection and failure have plagued me since I was a little girl. Living in this shadow of doubt has caused me to seek acceptance and my self worth in compromising relationships, perfectionism, an eating disorder, a need to control, my performance in school and now in my job, religion…all of which fill me for a time but in the end leave me feeling even more inadequate. The one experience that has really rocked my self-worth was when my 1st husband rejected me for another relationship…it was my worst fear come to reality. Now re-married with two step children I find myself frequently staring at that shadow of doubt wondering if I can be a good enough wife this time and a good enough step-mother. I have been a Christian for a long time but have never fully learned how to live in the power of the Spirit and walk daily in His Truth and Promises. I’m tired of throwing away my confidence and letting Satan’s fear paralyze me and keep me from the will of God. I am tired of living from an insecure heart…I have always desired a Bold, Confident heart. Doubt and Hope, Fear and Faith cannot live in my heart at the same time. Today, I choose to begin to think, speak, pray, live, and rely on the power and confidence of who I am in CHRIST!
The part of Chapter 1 stating……”the voices of insecurity that cast shadows of doubt over our perspective and keep us from becoming the women we want to be-the women God created us to be.” So true. I’m ready to have a confident heart and I’m looking forward to this book/online study. Thanks Renee.
I knew I needed to read this book when I heard about it. And I knew I needed to do the online study to keep me accountable and help me stay committed to seeing it through to the end. I am not sure exactly what caused my lack of confidence in myself but hoping that through this book I can get to the root of the problem so that I can heal. Something that stood out to me and tugged at my heart was in the prayer at the end of Ch. 1: “When self-doubt tells me I can’t overcome my insecurities, I will believe Your promise that all things are possible to whoever believes.” I’ve read this verse probably a hundred times and I have not yet truly believed it. But I recognize that and know that it’s something I need to work on!
Looking forward to going on this journey with you wonderful ladies!!
Doubt also robbed me.. This is so true for me whenever I think about doing something doubt will jump in and tell me in millions of ways not to do it. And then I will listen. I am so ready to put that doubt behind me and be the confident women of God I know that I can be.. Thank you for doing this study so I can read your book again and reading in a different way…
This part really hit me: “Maybe you’ve asked God to take away your insecurites & give you a more confident personality, yet you’re still waiting. Perhaps you’re good at hiding your doubts and no one but you knows the paralyzing power they have. ” This definitely describes me. I think most people would see me as a confident trusting Christian, but if they only knew! I am 55 yrs old and so tired of being this way. Thank you Lord, for sending me this Bible study. And thank you Renee
Good one, Jennifer! I can totally relate to you on this, as I feel exactly the same. God will help us through!!
Yes, He will Kelley! Thanks
Jennifer I am 56 and I know where you are coming from! We are never too old to grow in the Lord!
Yes! Thanks goodness He is there to help us all, regardless of age or anything else.
I’m only 28, but I feel this way. It’s paralyzing sometimes. I feel like i’m 90 years old and stuck. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for all of us.
Yes I am often paralyzed-mentally & spiritually. You are about the age of my daughter–I am going to pray especially for you Denee. Let’s see what God is going to do for us!!
That was the perfect description.
Page 24 “We’ll do the most important thing first: spend time digging deep into the heart and character of God so we can learn to depend on His heart toward us.” That just makes me close my eyes, grab onto hope and say “Thank you, Jesus!!” <3
Amen Sister!
To be honest, I wasn’t so sure how I was going to like this book. It’s not a book that I would typically choose to read. However, after reading the first chapter I see why God has put me in this study with you ladies. I’ve come to the realization that it is possible to be confident…in yourself…or in your abilities, etc. I believe that I am going to have a journey of digging deep to see where my confidence comes from, and learning to shift from myself over to God. I certainly need more God-confidence and less me-confidence.
That’s where I am, Sue. I have believed in my toughness, independence, intelligence, etc. even while knowing Jesus as my Savior. However, God is allowing me to fall apart in some ways so that I can shift as you said from being confident in me to being confident in Him. One benefit of this is that ‘m finding myself easier on others as He has begun this new stage with me. I am finding myself less judgmental as God allows me to crumble and be built back up. It’s amazing that 10 years as a committed believer and I still have so much of God’s true character and heart to know.
Thank you for sharing. I too want to become more God confident.
Renee, you’ve given us much to think on. So much of chapter 1 hit me. “God doesn’t want us stuck in a cycle of defeat or living in the shadows of doubt. He reminds us in Isaiah 49:23, “Then you will know that I am the LORD. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Yet, doubt and hope cannot live in our hearts at the same time. As God’s girls, we need to know and believe that change is possible.”
I’m also doing the Made to Crave study. Much of what you say can be applied to this study, too. Thanks Renee.
I agree with most of the others on here. The image you used of the shadow of the wall just made it tangible. You hear about how doubt can make you believe things that aren’t true but having that mental picture makes it more real. I have to remember daily to turn toward the light!!!
I have also been really looking forward to participating in this study – all the way from Australia! Have been a Proverbs31 fan for a few years now. Visual images are a great tool for me, so this one is going to be an amazing help. Thanks so much Renee. I too will be remembering to turn toward the light!!
I think the words you wrote on page 18 “Over the past few years, I’ve found lasting confidence by living daily in the security of God’s promises. He’s led me beyond believing ‘in Him’ to really ‘believing Him’ by relying on the power of His words and living like they are true no matter what may fellings tell me.” really resonated with me. It is the refusing to believe the words/thoughts that I hear when I have insecurities and replacing them with God’s truth that makes all the difference in the world for me. Also, I really appreciate how you end the lessons with praying God’s Words – how very powerful! I want to line up with His plan for my life and praying His Words keeps me centered on Him.
Love the book – this is my second time through it!
Kathy
When I got Renee’s email this summer announcing her book I heard God saying to me very loudly “you need to read this book”. At the time I was looking for a teaching position because my youngest was entering kindergarten and it was time for me to go back to work. I love teaching and I love being a Mommy but I was being a Mommy for the past 7 years and was doubting my ability as a teacher. I did get a job and I am loving being back in the classroom. When I saw you were doing a bible study on the book I was excited once again because with work and family I have not had time for a bible study and a regular time with God. I am looking forward to this time with you and a book I adore.
Chapter 1 spoke to me but something that stuck with me was self doubt blocks the promise of God’s power and I think it even blocks our relationship with him. It can also hinder us from living with a confident heart. God believes in us and what we can do. We need to believe in him and ourself to have that confident heart. We need to hand over our doubts about ourselves so we can change from the inside out as stated in the book.
As a fairly new believer I have more doubts about myself now than I did before. My doubts stem from watching other Christian women and comparing myself to them. I can’t pray as well; don’t know the bible as well. These insecurities have stopped me from witnessing. Doubt is constantly with me, will I ever be a good Christian? Reading the first chapter of this book, has started me on a road of confidence with the knowledge that God chose me. He has a plan for me.
This is one of my great struggles as well. You are right though, God has a plan for you, and me and He can use us right where we’re at. We just have to keep in touch with Him.
Barbara-I go back and forth with these feelings too. I pray from my heart and would love that confidence of leading prayer but I think I’ve come to realize my strength isn’t necessarily to be a speaker, praying out loud or teaching what I learn from the bible but living it and being an example. I’m sure Gods plans are much bigger for me as I’m sure they are for you!
“See, I am doing a new thing” Isa 43:19. This spoke to me as a fairly new Christian also. We all have to start somewhere and it is our own journey. I look for the new things that God wants me to know each day and it is so exciting. Each morning I ask,,,,,what does God have for me today. What miracle is He revealing to me today!! I do sometimes struggle with the confidence around more mature Christians but know that my confidence is in Him. And someday, when God is ready, I will be able to nurture a new Christian myself.: )
Always remember: There is no wrong way to pray and the Bible takes time to know. Just like learning anything else – how to type properly on a keyboard, learning a new language. It takes time and effort. Be thankful God has allowed us to realize how important it is. It is a blessing to have been given God’s grace – to be where we are today, even if this Bible Study is the first thing you have done as a Christian!! Baby steps is where we all start.
I was part of another Bible study and one of the members talked about how she could read the same verse she read a year ago and how different the meaning was. God is always translating his word to you in His time.
The part in the forward about not having the daddy to swing me around and tell me how beautiful and special I am really hit home for me. That hurt not only because I didn’t have it growing up, but because my girls didn’t have it either. I now know better than to try to fill it the wrong way, but I find myself simply changing what I try to fill the hole with. As a new Christian 10 years ago, I quickly gave up some “obvious” wrong ways, but God is revealing some “not so obvious” wrong ways that I am still using to try to fill the void that is only meant for Him. God is really speaking to me through Romans 12:2 and Jeremiah 17:7-8 today. I want to confess that I am struggling to believe that God really wants happiness for me. Isn’t that awful? I don’t feel that I deserve it, so surely God won’t bless with me with the desires of my heart like time for my family, a job I enjoy, a thriving ministry. I am staring into the shadow instead of into His love.
The same part of the forward about Daddy swinging you around and telling you how special you are also hit home with me. I also did not have a Daddy to tell me how special I was. Instead I was told I was good for nothing, as sad as that is, I know now that my father also was told the same thing and he wasn’t able to say how special I was to him. I have learned to keep my eyes on Jesus, and through forgiving my father I do not look at that shadow any longer. Yet, I seem to hear those words echoed each day and it erodes my confidence and hope for my future. I am prayerfully asking for the Lord to heal those painful memories and show me how special I am to Him.
Thank you Renee for writing this wonderful book, and sharing your blessings with us.
Amen! I didnt realize until several months ago that we relate our relationships with our father (or husband or both) to our relationship with God. It skews our perception. For me, I realized that my perfectionist, over-achieving and beat myself up for not doing “good enough” came from those two relationships. (For example, getting the B instead of the A or getting an A- instead of a A+, or picking up dinner and having it thrown across the counter at you because mayo is on it because you forgot to check it before you left the restaurant) I was and still do to some extent try to make myself lovable to God.
I felt I needed to share this: Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.”
We all are who we are and we are loved this way! We need the confident heart to help us realize this when dinner is being thrown across the counter at us, instead of receiving a Thank You. May God give us the strength to say a prayer for the one who acts in anger, instead of reacting to them. We can’t change them, but God can. Say the prayer and trust God is at work!
Sherry,
I can relate. A good friend once told me, “God gave us free will and the choice to choose whether or not to believe in Him and accept the gift of Christ. Likewise, He does not want us to be in a relationship where we have no free will, a relationship of abuse and power and control dominating over us.” That advice helped me accept that abuse is a deal breaker and to start to have the confidence that God wants more for me and for my daughters.
I really enjoyed reading Chapter 1 and going back to the Word of God. I believe in my spirit God is already blessing us and making changes deep down in our hearts and souls.
What stood out to me was “God declares things can change!” and the scriptures that followed. It reminds me that not only does God promise us good things, He also delivers on those promises! They’re not just empty words.
After reading the 1st sentence in the forward, I wrote in my notebook that I grew up with a loving family, yet still struggled with insecurity. Part of that was because I’m an introvert, but then I read these sentences from the book: “Why do we look to things of this world to give us security, self-confidence, and fulfillment? I think it’s because the message that worldly things can fulfill us is all around us.” Bingo! Not only do we look to the world for fulfillment, but the world gives us a “perfect” image of what we should be: thin, tan, fun, funny, gorgeous, well-dressed, and on and on and on.
Totally agree with you 🙂
Totally agree. Instead of looking to see ourselves as God sees us, we look to see how the world sees us.
This was the verse that hit home for me too. I have always been one to care what others think or think. I am also a pleaser and want to make sure I don’t upset others. This leads me to doubting myself and carrying “shadows.”
So many times, too, it’s not the world telling us we aren’t good enough, but us thinking it’s the world telling us. It is, in fact, our doubt in ourselves that beats us up more than anything. If we can truly believe how loved we are by our God and how accepted we are by Him; If we can love ourselves and accept ourselves this way, that weight of the world truly lightens up. MOST of this “world” we refer to is just like us, the same insecurities and the same doubts and the same needs. May you all truly feel this love and acceptance.
That is so true, yet it is difficult for us to not live by those standards. I am trying daily to live by God’s standard and not the world’s standards and expectations.
Oh girlfriends!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I love reading them and seeing how God is speaking to each of you and overlapping our lives. Keep on sharing. You mean the world to me and to Jesus. I”m so excited we’re in this together. We’re gonna have so sweet sister bonds and memories and life stories to share throughout this journey. Gonna go bathe a baby girl and then come back with my video message for you!
Renee, I love how real you are…thank you for answering the call to be a leader and friend to those of us whom you have never even met.