Welcome! If you’ve linked over from my Encouragement for Today devotion through Proverbs 31 Ministries, I’m so glad you stopped by! I hope you’ll enjoy today’s video, enter today’s drawing, and stay for a while.
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Have you ever noticed how something can happen or someone can say something and all of the sudden thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “What is wrong with me?” will trigger a string of negative emotions?
Then, before you know it that awful, yucky feeling of self doubt comes over you and makes you want to shrink back in a corner. Self-doubt is like a bully. It makes us feel small, inadequate, less than and insecure.
But we don’t have to put up with being bullied anymore. We can live as more than a conqueror through HIM who loves us and gave His life up for us!
I’ve got a short video message to share from my NEW”Confident Heart” DVD . I recorded it to equip and empower you to stop letting doubt and discouragement beat you up and start letting God and His Word build you up instead!
If you’re reading this via email, click here to watch today’s video and enter today’s giveaway!
Confident, strong, and free – it’s closer than you think!
Join the next Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Study of my book, A Confident Heart. Filled with daily insights, powerful promises, weekly video messages, and Scripture-based teachings, this online study will be life-changing! And it’s being led by Melissa Taylor and her amazing Online Bible Study. Find out more about the study and sign up here.
The P31 online study is FREE! All you need is my book A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God’s Promises. AND if you order a copy through Proverbs 31 Ministries, it will be signed and you can receive a link to download over $40 in FREE “Confident Heart” resources. Get your signed copy here and find out more today!
TODAY’S FREE BLOG OFFER: Confident Heart “Triggers and Truths” Printable.
“Confidence Boost” GIVEAWAY:
Today I’m giving away a copy of my NEW”Confident Heart” DVD and my book, “A Confident Heart” along with my message “Don’t Throw Away Your Confidence” on CD!To enter, click “share your thoughts” below this post and let’s talk about the things that trigger our doubts and a truth God spoke to your heart through today’s video message and/or my P31 devotion.
Dayna says
Wow! I loved todays msg… Something I have been struggling with and need to overcome. Although I know it is a lie that Satan is feeding me, I keep thinking that others are thinking less of me than I am worth, but it is really me. I am unconfident and I am realizing that I discount others confidence in me. Then it becomes a terrible cycle…. Myself and others don’t know why I am miserable over half the time. Thanks! Tuning in to the FM!!!
Judy Magneson says
Thanks for the opportunity – the timing could not have been better! This is my first time here … going to check things out … loving the bounty of inspiration already. Thank you.
NEYDA says
FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR LETTING YOURSELF BE USED BY GOD IN SUCH A BEAUTIFUL WAY. I LOVE READING THE DAILY DEVOTIONALS AND SEEING THE DIFFRENT TESTIMONIES THAT ARE SHARED. THIS MINISTRY HAS MADE AN IMPACT NOT ONLY ON MY LIFE BUT ON MANY OTHER WOMENS LIVES THAT VISIT THE SALVATION ARMY, AS THEY USE THE BOOKS AND DVD IN A WOMENS BIBLE STUDY GROUP.WHEN I SHARED THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE OBS THEY WERE ALSO EXCITED AS I WAS. YOU SEE, I AM A 39 YEAR OLD SINGLE MOTHER WHO CAME FROM A VERY ABUSIVE PAST. I WAS PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY ABUSED BY MY MOTHER , SEXUALLY ABUSED BY MY BROTHER AND COUSIN AS A CHILD AND YOUNG WOMEN. TOLD BY MY MOTHER I WAS NO LONGER HER DAUGHTER ,I WAS A FANATIC AND SHE HOPES I’M HAPPY WITH WHAT I WAS DOING BECAUSE THE TRUTH CAME OUT ABOUT MY COUSIN WHO @ THAT TIME WAS HER BOYFRIEND, IT’S BEEN MORE THAN 5 YEARS SINCE SHE SPEAKS TO US OR COMES TO SEE US.. ALSO, ABOUT 8 YEARS AGO I WAS ACCUSED BY THE PASTORS WIFE OF HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH HER HUSBAND WHO WAS ABOUT 60 @ THE TIME AND GOD MOVED ME TO ANOTHER CURCH WHERE FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS I’VE FACED FALSE ACCUSATIONS, LEADERSHIP SAYING I DID NOT HAVE HOLY SPIRITS AND THE TOUNGES I SPEAK ARE NOT FROM GOD, JUST TO GIVE SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW I HAVE TO BATTLE ON A DAILY BASIS WITH THE LIES FROM THE ENEMY. IT STILL AMAZES ME TO THIS DAY TO SEE HOW SATAN USES EVEN THOSE WHO PROCLAIM TO BE MOST HOLY TO PUT THEIR FOOT ON YOUR BACK AND TRY TO KEEP YOU FROM ACOMPLISHING GOS PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES.I HAVE REALLY HAD TO HOLD ON EVEN WHEN I DIDN’T UNDERSTAND TO GODS LOVE AND PROMISES FOR OUR LIVES.I CONTINUE ON A DAILY BASIS TO DECLARE PHYSICAL,MENTAL,AND EMOTIONAL HEALING OVER OUR LIVES ESPECIALLY BECAUSE BOTH OF MY CHILDREN ARE SPECIAL NEEDS. MY SON IS 14, HE HAS A DIAGNOSES OF AUTISM,ADHD AND ODD AMONG PLATLET DYSFUNCION AND ASTHMA.MY DAUGHTER IS 11 AND HAS A DIAGNOSIS OF VON WILLEBRANDS, SEVERE ASTHMA,VOCAL CORD DYSFUNCTION,ADHD, AND ODD.I HAVE LEARN TO SAY THEY ARE DISGNOSED BECAUSE GOD HAS MADE US IN HIS PERFECT IMAGE. I AM SO EXCITED TO BEGIN THIS OBS KNOWING IN MY HEART AND SOUL THAT IT WILL BE A BLESSING NOT ONLY INTO MY LIFE BUT ALSO IN MY CHILDRENS’ LIVES AND THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND US.THANKS AGAIN FOR CARING , SHARING AND LETTING GODS LOVE SHINE THREW YOU. BLESSINGS OVER YOU AND YOURS. NEYDA
NEYDA says
BY THE WAY THE DIET SHE REFERS TO ON HER BLOG IS THE 7 DAY DOUBT DIET. IT TOOK ME A WHILE BECAUSE IT WAS HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT. ITS FUNNY HOW WHEN WE THINK OF SOMETHING BEING HIDDEN MOST OF THE TIME WE SEARCH AND SEARCH BUT THE ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN INFRONT OF US THE WHOLE TIME, RIGHT THERE IN PLAIN VIEW. THANK YOU FATHER FOR YOUR WISDOM IS UNIMANIGINABLE TO US. THANKS AGAIN.
Patti Renfro says
Neyda I read your post and sister you just keep walking and standing on who you are in Christ Jesus. I want to say I was raised in a Cult and suffered every type of abuse you can think of by family members, by people in the Cult and by people I didn’t even know from age 2 until I left home at 17. I gave my body away for free to anyone who said they loved me starting at age 11. My first attempt to take my life was at 6 when I od on my brothers meds their were many more attempts to come. I started drinking at age 6 when it was given to me by family members and it turned into full blown drug addiction. I lost my mom to cancer at 17 which is why I left home as my dad was setting me up to take her place. I got married at 18 after knowing my husband to be for just 2 1/2 months. We were married 23 1/2 yrs. I didn’t know I was marrying into a similar family as mine own. Our miracle son was born in 1987 he is now 25 and taking care of me. My husband and I lost 2 daughters and one son. We almost lost me in 1991 I joined a Church that I was very comfortable with it wasn’t until I was in it for 11 yrs that I realized that I had joined another Cult needless to say I did leave and that Cult is no more 1995 after 4 yrs of trying to find out what was going on with me. I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus and over the years I have also been dianosed with 20 other medical conditions/mental conditions. I was put on permenant disability in 2004. I felt like I was a nobody after that, my worst nightmares were coming true about things that were said to me by my dad, like you ain’t going to be somebody, you are going to fail, etc.. and I began to really believe what he said was true and I trully believed what my mom said that I was a mistake hook line and sinker. I tried to take my life 3 times. I lost my husband of 23 1/2 yrs April 19 2009 suddenly to a massive heart attack. I found him and performed CPR to no avail he was in my life over half my life and I had never lived on mine own, did not know the first thing about cooking, doing my own finances etc. I felt so alone my secret to being on drugs never came out during my marriage but somehow I think my husband may have known and just never said anything. After he passed away I tried to kill myself 3 more times before my son and at the time his wife asked me to come live with them which I did but my daughter-in-law used me and the day I moved in she walked out on my son early the next morning without warning and asked him for a divorce stating she wanted to go back living with her parents where to this day she is still with them. They are very wealthy and healthy people. On Sep 21 2010 I was very suicidal and God had already brought me to a Church that I was liking and confused at the same time I was seeing a Biblical Counselor there for about 2 months before I gave my life to our Lord Jesus Christ. I prayed asked Him to forgive me and named things and asked Him to be Master over my life. I was into Satanic things so I said goodbye to Satan and told him he was no longer master over my life that I belonged to God and in that process I got sick etc. But we got through it. My Biblical Counselor than introduced me to another lady at our Church and in November 2010 I went through Steps To Freedom In Christ and it was in the two days I was going through them that I experienced true freedom that I am still walking in today. I was able to forgive everyone who had ever hurt me in any way. I did for me so they would have no more power, control over my life. It released them off my hook but not off God’s hook. It has allowed God to work freely in my life and now theirs. I am no longer a drug addict I have been clean for 994 days now. I am no longer suicidal and that is HUGE. God is using my testimony in many ways at my Church, it was used in Celebrate Recovery in the small group to several ladies and it has been used in the Womens Prison in Nashville TN and I use it to the 8 ladies I write to in the same prison. When one lady gets out I am given another ladies name. God takes what Satan has meant for evil and turns it around for His glory. Neyda people need to hear your testimony. I want to encourage you because you encouraged me. Just remember you Neyda are secure in Christ, you are God’s daughter, you are accepted, you are significant, you are confident in Christ, you are His workmanship, you have been justified, you are complete in Christ, you are free from condemnation, you have the mind of Christ, you have been redeemed and forgiven of all your sins, you are a citizen in Heaven, you are God’s temple, you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you and you my dear are FREE.
Summer says
Thank you so much for the video; it was just what I needed to hear at this moment! I would like to extend a thank you to Darlene from the Time-Warp Wife who posted your link on a e-mail that she sent out. I am looking forward to doing the on-line study 🙂
Cheryl Sams says
Hello,
I am responding to the question that was sent in my email, the name of her book is Made to Crave.
Thank you,
Cheryl Sams
[email protected] says
I like the AM FM analogy and will put this into practice. I sure need it! Thank you!!
Joyce Allen says
I’m new to Proverbs 31 website and definitely new to Online Bible Studies. Can’t wait to start A Confident Heart. I feel that God has called me to not only be a pastor’s wife (for 15 years) but also to teach women God’s word. I also have the desire to write so I will be joining Compel when it starts in October. My problem with doubt comes in the form of “Did God really call me to do this or is it just something I’ve decided to do?” I have no college degree and that leads to uncertainty of my ability. I received encouragement in these areas from a number in the church were we are serving, but then there are critical remarks as well. It seems the critical bears more weight in my heart and mind than the encouragement. So you see, I desperately need this study on A Confident Heart! Hope you have a blessed day and thank you for the video message. I needed to hear that today.
maureen says
I talked a friend into doing with me and we are states away from each other and have been talking about doing a study together. You have provided a perfect study. She even signed before I did! Yeah for Proverbs 31 women!
Patricia says
The Answer is the 7 day doubt diet…
Can’t wait for this study to begin, I love the devotions that I am currently getting. Praise God for His Word and for such an awesome group of leaders…
Samantha Prado says
What a great video! I found this site by the time warp wife site! I can’t wait to spend some more time on this site and learning your story~ Sam
Starla Tovson says
Answer: The 7 Day Doubt Diet.
Tara says
My self doubt comes from when I feel that things aren’t goin the way I planned. Trying to grasp not being moved by flesh and tap into the spirit Bc I can’t operate on my plans I have to go according to Gods plan.
Teri says
Renee, It amazes me how timely God is, I needed this today more than you know. I am always one to talk to my kids about words and how they can be “for me ” or “against me” but I guess I never really take my own advice. I always feel inadequate when it comes to everyone else around me. I think God why didn’t you make me like them? I want to be someone that has it all together, when if I will allow God to use me and not be so doubtful, he will. My desire is to be used by God and to see his powerful works that I tell my kids about, to be reaveled in my life. Thank you so much for allowing yourself to be used today in my life!!!
Shannon says
Good morning, I am looking forward to doing my first online study and this is the perfect study for me. I am consumed with self doubt from when I was a child and the opinion from my Father on how I view myself with outward beauty, to the mistakes I’ve made in my life and how others remind me of them and judge me, weekly, daily, monthly, letting go of a verbally abusive relationship for three years has not been easy. i purchased a business over a year ago but i am too scared to try and fail because I lack confidence and worry about what could go wrong instead of what could go right. With all that said, I am needing to learn how to have the Holy Spirit feel me with Gods promises so I can confidentially, daily listen, hear, and live FM thoughts and leave the AM thoughts behind me…..it’s a process, a journey I look forward to taking with you!
Janell Kessler says
Such wonderful prizes!
Answer to question is “The 7 Day Doubt Diet”
Sheila says
I am so excited for this study. I find that I have times of AM thoughts and it can be very discouraging.
Thank you for this study! Sheila
Answer: 7-day doubt diet.
Kelli says
The video was just what I needed this morning. I have been unemployed for 4-1/2 months and am a single mom also going thru a custody battle with one of two children among many other struggle but my faith never waivers. I’m a happy person and love to encourage others. However many times when you are the encourager the encouraging you need is not there from others God has never failed me though. Your video just brings the reminders needed if those
suzi says
this will be my 3rd or 4th study with ya’ll in the last couple of years as i fight to climb out of a pit i have been in for 7 years after i experienced a major health issue that altered the course of my life whilst our 20yr old son developed a life threatening disease. i have come a long way in regaining my strength and fight but realized this spring that i now live in constant fear that informs almost all of my decisions…and i am tired of living like that. i even doubt whether God will do good to us in the future since our health bills keep mounting, we can no longer afford insurance, my husband’s work has been severely impacted by the economy’s downfall, our son does not care for his health as he should & is an emotional wreck much of the time, & i can’t work or participate in ministry anymore which i allow to make me feel useless. i signed up for your study because of your story and how fear (understandable) had invaded too many areas of your life. i was impressed by the healing you gained. i realized this was my life now as well and know it can be overcome with the right scripture and tools and i am ready to take back ground the enemy has conquered.
Debbie Willoughby says
Some of my biggest Triggers of self doubt begin at work when I compare how quickly the younger generation grasps new ideas and can accomplish more in a shorter time. Wanting to be good enough is a pride issue I believe. If only I could see me through God’s eyes and believe. Why do I struggle with trying to fit into this world that is not my home? I am so excited about this study and all God has for me! I am ready to chase away those AM thoughts and move into the FM thoughts with the help of God and His Word!!
Tanya Thrasher says
I am ready to start my first OBS with your book, “A Confident Heart.” Just what I need!
Wanda says
I am answering the contest question from the Confident Heart website, “What is the name of the diet Renee refers to on her blog?”
The answer is: “7-day Doubt Diet”
Melinda says
The bully has been working overtime and thank God that I saved this P31 devotion. I have been searching for a job for the past several months with hitting rejection after rejection. I had also attended She Speaks following a call to ministry in women’s ministry and writing. This past week I have felt a wall, lots of “AM” thoughts. I have been participating in Julie Gillies online study, Prayer for a Woman’s Soul and the first two weeks looked at mind and attitude, which I needed tremendously. Yet, I still felt my confidence weakening this past week. Tonight, watching the video gave me hope, insight and great steps to get my confidence back.
God places people and messages in our paths, to richly bless and grow us.
Thank you
Janet Rodríguez says
Amazing , just on time … I have been a secure and strong , but on the last month a simple comment from 1 person changed all my panorama of my future… How? I now I understand… The shadow of the doubt , I have a mission trip and a woman’s conference ahead of me … And I was asking the same questions you have on the first pages of the book…. Wow….my God is good… I fell like an awaking shout from those pages makes me laugh as I understand now what was going on… THANKS A LOT !
Marielle says
I am at a point in my life where fear and insecurity have me in a death grip and have absolutely paralyzed me. Most days my anxiety is so bad that the idea of leaving the house sends me into panic attacks. I’ve been feeling so lost, confused, and trapped in so much pain. When I read your devotional titled “Trigger Points of Doubt”, I was touched to the point of being driven to tears. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life this way. I need to start the healing process and I need to rely on God to overcome this but I feel powerless when the negative tapes start playing in my mind and derailing my every effort to get better. I have dealt with such an abusive past (from various relationships) and it seems my mind just absolutely refuses to love and accept myself as God created me. I know this is not the way God meant for me to live and it must pain him to see me throw away my life like this. I would love to participate in this bible study to grow closer to God, to let God heal all that is broken within me, and finally live in a manner that I know honors him. I pray to God constantly for guidance and I really felt that God used your devotional to speak to me.
Amy H says
Renee, Read your bio. I also have 2 teens and a little girl by way of adoption. Oct makes 3 yrs she joined our family. I am in the process of chasing another big dream of mine. When I have those self doubts I try and remember our adoption journey and how long it took and the money (we are still broke) and how we finally got our darling home just before her country closed adoptions. I’m trusting in Him. If He can do all that then my next dream will come true too, if it is His will! I hope I win one of your books. Would love to do this next study.
Donna Evans says
I know fear first hand. My husband committed suicide by jumping out of a moving car while I was driving. He was controlling and I did nothing without him. Once the initial shock wore off. I had to change jobs, I could no longer live in the house we had. It was as if I was starting over. I was so wrapped up in fear for 6 1/2 years. I was so scared I would fail, that my children would leave me, I would be alone. I turned to God for 2 years, I read my bible daily, attended Bible Studies, and submerged myself in church work. I started to feel a little balance in my life. Then I meet a wonderful man but this man ,also, had a brother that he was a caregiver for. I clung to him like a sinking ship. For four up and down years, I was consumed with fear of losing him, to the point that I was angry when I didn’t know where he was at. I clung to my 15 year old daughter for fear of losing her. Then a year ago, this wonderful man lost his brother to cancer about a month later we broke up. Because he said he couldn’t live like that anymore. I had know ideal at the time that I was so consumed with Fear. I just knew that I wasn’t who I was. I went to Counselors, started on Meds. but they didn’t help much. I knew it was something in me but I could not control it. I would try for about a month I was the person I was and then some little something would set me off. I almost lost my job, my kids didn’t want to be around me but didn’t want to leave me either. This wonderful man stayed in my life because of God. About 6 months ago, I returned to God’s word and I realized I was consumed with fear. I am getting better each day. This wonderful man is still by my side as a good friend. But because of what I put him through plus what was happening with his brother. He says he will never marry or be that close to another person. So our fear not only damages us but others. Plus I lost all my friends I was desperate to have people with me constantly. I couldn’t even drive without having someone on the phone. God is working each day. I pray that no one every struggles the way I have but I know there are probably others that struggle worse than I do. I am just now getting to be happy with me. But know that this will probably be something I will struggle with the rest of my life. I hope you give it to someone that it helps overcome their fears, so they can shine for God to others that are struggling with fear. I pray that God will use my fear to helps others. Thank you for what you do for others. Sorry this is so long but just wanted to tell my story, hoping someone would read it and know they are not alone. God will never leave you or forsake you. He is the only thing you need, but it takes worshipping, being Thankful even getting up in the morning, reading and studying his word daily. We cause we are all wonderfully made.
Nicole Fellows says
Wow…I have been struggling so much lately with negative thoughts….I am really excited to start this Bible Study…..I have really been having problems in my relationships and feel like I can never do enough or I am just not doing it right…I really want to be happy on a daily basis….Lord help!
Kay says
The video really spoke to me: am or fm thoughts. Often I feel overwhelmed by all the things in a life with three active kids-2 teens and a tween and don’t feel that I can add anything else, no matter how worthwhile. I don’t feel equipped to do God’s work and fail to rely on his grace and strength like I need to. I’m praying that this study will help me move forward with obedience and a heart confident not in my abilities, but in God’s grace and strength.
Darlene M says
I am so looking forward to this Bible Study. I enjoyed the video today. It really spoke to me. I have a lot of self doubt due to a couple abusive relationships in my past. Always told that I am not good enough, pretty enough, not a good mother and never should have been a mother. But thank God He led me to a wonderful loving, patient Pastor who has really been through a lot with me. When he first came into my life I was suicidal. But he reached out to me and has been with me every step of the way. But at times I still feel unworthy of so much. It has been prophesied over me five years ago that I would have a Godly husband who puts God first in his life and we would have a blessed marriage. At times if feel I am so ready. But at times I am so scared because of the hurt and pain of the past. But when I seen this study for A Confident Heart I knew this was for me and that through this study God is going to do a wonderful work inside of me to give me the confidence I need to have in Him. For without God in my life I am nothing.
Erica says
I just got around to reading Tuesday’s Encouragement for Today, and I’m so glad I didn’t just delete it and move on to Wednesday. I so often doubt myself, especially because I’m comparing myself to other women who are able to keep a beautiful home, have dinner planned and ready every day, look gorgeous and fit, and mange their family’s money and time. I don’t know why I’m trying to base how I feel about myself on someone else’s life, but while I was reading your devotion, I realized something that has been deeply seeded in my heart for a very long time.
I view myself as truly less than others, not just putting others “above” myself in humility. I believe I am less. This devotion was just another ding from God in the last couple of months for me on this issue (it usually takes me a few times before God gets through). I had a very unstable childhood, and I was also sexually abused. I lived the majority of my childhood in fear. Fear of causing problems, getting in trouble, or being myself. I discovered my need for a relationship with God and went through counseling during college, which turned everything around in my life. But I’m really starting to see how I have never allowed myself to really believe God’s word when it says that I am a “dearly loved” child of God. Not just a nameless child in a great mass of orphans. Dearly loved by my Father. I am not less. God’s love should lift me up and I should allow myself to believe that I am just as deserving of the amazing gift of Jesus as any other woman. God didn’t allow me to be saved because He had to. He wanted me as His child. Thank you for bringing me one more step closer to believing this and seeing who I truly am in God’s eyes!
Kathy says
This is an awesome site!
I have been praying for truth to be revealed and to have a confidence in Christ!
Then while searching for free online biblestudies on confidence in Christ! I found this page!!
Today’s post is exactly what I’m facing…
My husband and I are foster/adoptive parents as well as having 2 girls of our own.
Our 18 yr old recently started dating an atheist and has been putting me down calling me names just really smashing me to complete brokenness…
I need this book and biblestudy to help me learn to be bold & confident.
Money is tight here but I know God will provide what is good for us!!!
Please keep us in prayer. God Bless you all.
April says
I’ve struggled for a long time with doubting myself because of what I see on social media. While there are many benefits to social media, one of the biggest downfalls is that it allows us to show only our “highlight reel.” When I think of it that way, I know that God sees both our highlight reel and our “outtakes.” He understands all of it, so I have to trust that when I’m having a day that feels full of outtakes, he is still there directing and guiding me. I have to be confident in that even if I log on and see how perfect others’ lives may seem.
Kristy says
I’ve had a lot of insecurities in my heart….my husband and I are going through bankruptcy, he is currently incarcerated, we may have to find a new place to live, the list could go on and on. God has been leading me recently in His word to help me renew my mind and place these situations and my insecurities in Him. This morning several messages from God…. He’s not mad at me…..which had me crying A LOT! He loves me, I’m His daughter, and then Renee’s devotional this morning as well. I have felt God speaking to my heart about my past sins being forgotten, that His mercies are new each day for me, that He sacrificed His life so that I could be free from sin and death! Thank you Jesus! I signed up for the online bible study, I’m just waiting to gather up the funds to get the book so I’m ready. I am very excited about it! Thank you Mrs. Swope for sharing your testimony.
God Bless,
Kristy
Carrie says
Renee,
I realize I’m a day late on responding, so I hope you get this message . . . I just realized that it isn’t confidence in myself that I need, it is confidence in my Lord and Savior that I need! I can’t wait to delve into your Bible study! I have a lot to learn. Your video message really spoke to me today. Even though I grew up in a Christian home, I have had doubts and insecurities all my life – since I was a little girl! My husband and I have three precious children. One of our three has struggled with self doubt for a while now. He is just like me. We are both blessed with a tender heart for others, but plagued with self doubt about everything else. I plan on taking him along with me in this journey. If you ever feel inspired, I’d like to encourage you to create a children’s version of your book. As I mentioned before, I will be taking my 11 yr. old son along with me on this journey, modifying it as I go, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to share this as a tool for other parents like me who have children dealing with the same issues? Raising confident children in the Lord – this is my goal. I do not want them to miss the opportunities God has planned for them because they have insecurities and self doubt. Thank you for your obedience to God in writing this book. I look forward to what God is going to reveal to me and my family through your study. ~ Abundant Blessing, Carrie
Celi says
Good morning Renee,
Just finished watching your video and reading your devotional. As I sit here and enjoy my coffee nothing could be more true than this. I have to admit I am one of those who always feels doubt. Doubt the fact that I could do more, be more as I wife, mother, sister and friend.
I often feel I am not listening to God guiding me and feel like I don’t belong around certain people or places. I let doubt and fear take over and from there on it goes downhill for me. I find that when i read his word and listening to Christian music I am then focused and understand that I am his and have been made for his purpose. I feel more “Confindent” and courages. Thank you for the message on the video, your words ring truth to me.
Sandra Grasdock says
Hi Renee,
Thanks for your wonderful video. 🙂
Pam says
This encouragement post has come at a most needed time. Myself and many friends are facing the reality of yet another round of layoffs. The decision to move onto something else weighs heavily. Most love their jobs and love working for the space program. The thought of leaving to pursue another career tears at my heart – I don’t want to – and then the doubt creeps into my very being. I have done this kind of work for the last 24 years! And while the work I do is very important and valuable it will not be the same kind of work any other industry will be looking for. So, do I have the skills to move into another realm? I sure hope so. Reading your post has offered encouragement and hope – God will take care of me and my family and if I can just get the doubt under control this could be the start of something truly wonderful in my life.
Thank you for taking the time to reach out – it is so appreciated!
Blessings!
Cheryl says
I feel insecure when I’m with a group of women and they are all talking together and seem so assured and outgoing. I feel like I don’t know what to say. That’s when I need the “For me” truths. Thanks Renee for your encouragement to discover God’s personal promises for us in His Word.
Julie Moore says
I like that Renee sets her alarm to a radio station that is inspiring. There’s nothing better than starting your day with something positive and Godly, and nothing worse than starting it without God. I have an issue with ‘negative thinking’ and really need all the help and ideas anyone has to change my way of thinking! Thank you Renee for your encouraging words and I am so looking forward to your bible study ‘A Confident Heart’!
Jennifer says
So many things trigger my doubts, but I think the biggest trigger for me right now is how my children are doing. I feel like a failure as a parent. I pray that with each OBS, and with each passing day, that feeling dissipates. I also hope that I learn things through the upcoming OBS that will help my 13 year old daughter avoid some of the struggles I have gone through with self-doubt. Thank you for the upcoming OBS!
Tricia says
The “I’m not good enough… someone else could for SURE do it better than ME” is most definitely the self-talk, or maybe even enemy-talk that I hear constantly!! I just finished the “Yes to God” OBS and cannot WAIT to start YOUR “A Confident Heart” OBS (I am a little frustrated that I have to wait 4 weeks, haha), but seriously… I just KNOW that these TWO Bible studies were put in MY life for “such a time as THIS”!!! I know that GOD in His infinite wisdom has SOMETHING in place for me, that He wants to USE me, that I NEEDED to get my heart, soul and mind in a position of being willing to saying “Yes” to Him… but NOW I just need to work on that confidence level to KNOW that “I *CAN* do all things through Christ which strengthens me”!! This post today was perfect timing for me!! Thank you for sharing Mrs. Swope!!! I am patiently awaiting what I just KNOW God is going to use through you to touch so many, many lives~ including my own!! Thank you for allowing God to use you and your ministry, and may God continue to BLESS your ministry!
Lori says
I could pretty much say that I have experienced every trigger of self-doubt at one time or another in my life. Not just once, but multiple times. Look forward to reading “A Confident Heart.”
Heather M says
Mine come when I think of the mistakes I have made in my life…marriage, children, work. I am soo far from getting things right. But I’m thankful that I don’t have to be perfect and that I am loved completely by God!
jeanne says
I struggle with doubts about being the best mom and wife and finding the role in life that God wants me to have. I am looking forward to reading this book and becoming more. Confident. 🙂
Linda Aranda says
I just listened to the video. I have already gone through the study but want to go through it again. It really has helped me a lot but I really need it again. Thank you for this message today. I still get the AM feelings but thanks to this message I can get the FM from God’s Word. I think going through this study again will bring out what I may have not gotten the first time. I enjoy the teachings and have more confidence than before. I learned so much from the lessons. Thank you for all you have taught me.
Margaret Mary says
I have a very difficult time if I happen to loose my temper after my adult alcoholic daughter gets nasty. As a Christian, I should be silent. (However sometimes this elderly lady simply looses it.) Then I feel so guilty because I start feeling she will never want to be a Christian after seeing my weakness. I repent, I confess, but she manages to hold onto ever slip I make and she throws them at me. I firmly believe in God’s mercy and grace with my repenting heart.. But I have such remorse and sadness over my falls.
Corrine says
Renee,
Thank you so much for reminding me that doubtful thoughts are really “the bully”. I am at the end of a long time of preparation for my ministry that God has for me. I’ve had a few setbacks, but was able to persevere for seven long years. The end I thought would be easy, but yet it was not. I cannot go forward until I pass this final state examination. Doubt, fear, disappointment set in and has left me with worry, doubt, and depression. The enemy made me believe that somehow God was taunting me by not passing the exam the first time. This “bully” had me thinking wrong thoughts of my Heavenly Father towards me! Thank you so much for sharing His perspective when we face the “bully/ bullies” in our life!
I enjoy your ministry and also hearing your voice on the radio for several years.
Much love and gratitude,
Corrine
Teresa says
Renee,
Your words were so true. I just need to apply them to my life daily! Sometimes I forget that I have an answer for everything and that is God. My situation may not change but I am changed by my interaction with God.
Dana Cowen says
I have way to many A thoughts, but now replace them with F ones thanks!!!
vanessa says
Hello Renee I thank you for your devotionals they help me get through the day. At this time I’m living in a shelter I left my home because I got tried of being abused physically, mentally, and emotional. My son passed away a few years ago. And my husband started beating me. I prayed and prayed everyday and read my Bible. i was afraid that he would start beating my two little ones we left and for a short time we stayed in a park. because all of the shelters was full , but I would rather be in a park than for him to kill me and my babies like he said he was going to do. I really would like my own home for me and my babies. I’m asking God everyday to help me I would like one of your books but I can’t afford it. I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica and my legs and my bones hurt so bad each and everyday. Some days I just feel like giving help because it seems like God has forgotten me. I’ve done my Best to be what he wants me to be. I’m not perfect but I repent when I make a mistake. Please pray for me and my babies. Suicide keeps popping in my mind, but I rebuke it because I know it’s the devil.He keeps telling me that God is not going to help me and my babies he keeps telling me that if he loved me that I wouldn’t be where I am now. Please Please pray for me.vanessa