Hi friends! I am so excited to start this “Confident Heart” journey with you!
We have almost 8000 women from around the US and the world signed up! I’ve been closing my eyes and picturing us gathering together in small groups (cause I’m a small group kinda girl). Anyhow, it’s so amazing to be here with YOU learning how we can live beyond our doubts by finding our security and confidence in the power of God’s loves and promises!
The first thing I want you to remember is: This is YOUR journey.
You’ll be reading the chapters. You will be asking and listening for God to speak to your heart. You’ll be the one who takes time to highlight sentences, promises and quotes you want to remember.
You’ll be looking for ways to apply and live what you are learning. You’ll be answering reflection questions and interacting with the group.
You’ll be doing the faith-work of not only believing in God, but really believing God.
I’ll be shepherding, leading, praying, encouraging, connecting and pacing us. I’ll be sharing more of my story – and inviting co-leaders who are helping me with the study to share theirs.
I’ll be praying for you, encouraging you, believing in you and challenging you – but you will make the heart investment and be the one who gets out pretty close to as much as you put in.
Here are a few IMPORTANT reminders:
What’s Needed: A copy of the book, a notebook, a Bible, and a ready-for-God- to-do-a-new-thing in you attitude!
When We’ll Meet: Because we’ll meet online, you can check in at your convenience any time of the day and week.
(Day 1) Assignment
Read the Acknowledgements. This will give you a peak into my current personal life and I’ll be asking you to share about yourself later this week too. 🙂
Read Chapter 1.
- If you don’t have your book yet, you can click here to read Chapter 1 .
- Highlight verses and sentences that grab your attention or tug on your heart.
- Write down what you sense God is speaking to your heart in the margins of your book or in a journal/notebook.
- If you’ve already read chapter 1, share your thoughts here. And then take time to look up the verses mentioned in the chapter prayer and answer the questions at the end of the chapter.
Connecting in Community: Click “Share Your Thoughts” below and let’s all answer this question:
What sentences in Chapter 1 resonate with your heart or speak to you in a personal way? How did you relate to my story in this chapter?
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The question that asks if doubt/insecurity have ever kept me from doing anything really got my attention. Doubt and insecurity have kept me from doing a lot of things, but these issues are also tangled up with my weight. I have gained weight in the last few years and that has increased my trouble with having confidence and feeling secure. When I was thin and felt good about my appearance, I was a lot more confident, but I realize that in both scenarios (both now and then) my confidence or lack thereof was based on me, not based on God. If my confidence is based on God, then I will be secure no matter what I look like because it is not about me. True confidence can only come from God, right? 🙂
Great insight Sandra – I am with you on this one for sure 😉
Sandra thanks for your insights, Fighting my weight problem, has stopped me from doing and many things. I never looked at it from your point of view.After reading your post the Battle is not mine but the Lords came to my memory.
I loved the sentence on pg 23 when you said “God doesn’t want us stuck in the cycle of defeat or living in the shadows of doubt”. This statement is so true but yet I have never thought of it like that. I have lefft self doubt take over a lot of my life and miss a lot of things. I am eager to get deeper into this study. Thanks Renee; I can’t wait!
Doubt and hope cannot live in our hearts at the same time. We need to hope that life can be different: Otherwise, doubt will win every time and our hearts will be eroded by attitudes and emotions of defeat-but it is not supposed to be this way.
Those two sentences really jumped out at me. “I can’t do this” and “it’s too hard” are whispers that I hear a lot. Especially anything new that is unfamiliar. I shrink back and feel so insecure at times. Praying God’s word really does help me and I am praying that this study will give me a confident heart. The scripture, “all things are possible to (her) who believes” gives me hope. I am praying God’ Promises for me and all of the sisters that are doing this study, that we will Believe and will gain a Confident Heart! The song, “All Things Are Possible” came into my mind as I read the scripture . It’s by Hillsong. Google it if you’ve never heard it.
I was told about this study by a co-worker who is struggling with her own confidence and she wanted someone to walk through this with her; our plan is to keep each other accountable. Reading through chapter one, I realize this study will be as much for me as for her! God even comes in through the back door of our minds sometimes! Two things really spoke to me so far; the struggle with feeling confident when asked to use our gifts to serve but as the time draws near, doubt builds up strength and over shadows the confidence God has already given us to succeed. The other is the concept of praying the Scriptures, I have heard of this concept before but never felt “confident” enough in my knowledge of Scripture to think I could use it effectively. To see it demonstrated at the end of each chapter will be huge not to mention that the way I read the Scripture will take a different, more personal direction in application. Thank you, everyone!
Becky, having an accountable partner is such a wonderful idea. Praying that you will help and encourage each other through the course of this study.
When I first starting reading the chapter, thoughts of hope were trying to make their way into my mind. I don’t want just another self-help book, but something that I can dive into daily and that leads me back to the Bible. Self-doubt has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve let what other people tell me define who I am and what I can or cannot do. I want to be the confident woman God has called me to be. I am looking forward to learning more about what God has called us to do and be and more importantly learning more about who God is.
It’s wonderful that this study came about right now. I, too, have had this book for a while and have not finished it. And now, with job insecurities looming, odd feelings of disconnecting with friends and neighbors, self-doubt, this popped back up at the most perfect time. A couple of weeks ago, I read a book called ” your One Word” and after a lot of thought and prayer, mine turned out to be “confidence”! Then- here comes this study! 🙂 I have faith that God is about to do a big thing-and I pray that I have the persistence and confidence to come out on the other side a more confident, anxiety-free woman who can use her potential to let go and stop worrying, and to remember that I’m not driving the bus!
Shanny, that is so wonderful! I love how God works things out. His timing is perfect.
Im here listening and praying as you share your thoughts. I love how you all are loving on and encouraging one another. That makes the best online experience possible. There is so much power in our prayers and encouragement.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Amen!
I love that!
Thank you I just loved reading this
That’s a beautiful prayer! Bless you Renee. On another note, can you tell me how to change the icon that was issued to me on registration, to my photo. It’s great to see people’s photos by their comments – it seems more personal.
S
“See, I am doing a new thing.” Isa. 43:19. The Lord has been telling me that all year. Confirmation!
When I got my book I was so excited I read the first chapter and I just sat and cried …I didn’t realize that I carried soo much self doubt and that I am letting it stop me from being all God would want me to be…I feel freedom Is coming my way Thank You
This has been an incredibly tough year for me – coping with a marriage breakdown (and build-up!), the suicide of my stepson’s mother, illness throughout our immediate and extended family, and an overload of stress with too few coping mechanisms landing me in the pits of depression. The one thing that kept me going, and kept me hoping for a better day was my belief that everything was happening for a reason, that God has a plan for me and this is all part of it. I thank God every day for a select, small group of true friends who have walked beside me and reminded me where I can find strength in my darkest moments. One of these friends is completing this Bible study with me! Sadly the sentences that resonated with me in Chapter 1 were the sentence that doubt “shouts from the sidelines”. These sentences have been frequent visitors that I have used to keep me from either “going for it” or “sticking with it” on numerous occasions. Interesting that in the most difficult times this past year I did not hear doubt shouting those words, but rather heard the words “you can get through anything, just hang in there, it will get better”.
DeeDee, it sounds like it has been a difficult season for you, but that God has surrounded you with a great support system. I think it is wonderful that you are all doing this study together. Praying for you as you continue down this journey with God.
DeeDee, I am SO glad you invited me to join you in this study! You have, no doubt, been through a difficult year to say the least. My heart has ached for you many times. You have shown tremendous courage and dedication, you have faced and survived what many women would not. You should be proud of yourself. Excited to be taking this journey toward a confident heart together! Much love 🙂
The first sentence that caught me was what doubt whispers. I thought, “God did you tell her what was going through my mind?!” This study comes at a time of serious attack for me. I am in the process of planning an event that the liar and enemy of my soul would have me put away and never think if doing it again because I don’t have the resources, I don’t have the organizational skills, I lack the know how, I don’t have what it takes to ask for donations and so on and so on. Simply seeing that someone else besides me fights this battle gives me comfort. Thank you for doing this again! I am believing His promise that who the Son sets free is free indeed!! Blessings!
Felicia, praying for you as you work on planning for this event. Do not let me enemy get a hold of you and your confidence. God has placed you here for a reason. Lean on Him and He will see you through. Looking forward to studying and learning together.
Thank you so much Jamy!! Here is something funny. The enemy tried to tell me that my words, my voice means nothing. He tried to show me how many women were being encouraged and prayed for and it seemed as if… as if mine was silent. That’s how he lies to me. He tells me I’m not worth the time, the prayers. I appreciate you! Blessings!
Felicia, I’m in the same place as you. Starting a new business. Satan keeps pounding doubts in my mind and they are very powerful. I have tried something like this before and failed many times. I know in my heart God put this in my life. But to succeed I have to step way out of my comfort zone. This time, I am say “GET BEHIND ME SATAN”. I am trusting in a God!!!
I have to start by telling how I received this book. My husband saw this book online and ordered it for me several months ago. When I got the package on my desk I thought it was another book that I had been wanting (Unglued). When I opened it and saw the title, I was insulted. I said to myself, why would he buy me this?? I am a very confident person! I don’t need to read a book on how to be confident! I even confronted him about it (which is why I needed to read Unglued 🙂 It has sat on my desk for those several months now and I didn’t pick it up to read it. Then I got the email about the online study. I felt that this was God speaking to me and telling me to “PICK UP THAT BOOK!”
As I read the forward and the first chapter, I realized that having a confident heart is not only about having confidence in yourself, but about having confidence that God is ready and willing to be our savior in every situation. I am a confident personality, but when it comes to my marriage (3rd one), I am very doubting! The doubting whispers on page 22 struck me. I ask myself these questions regularly about my marriage. I often wonder where God is while I am struggling to keep it together for a third time. I wonder why do things continue to look hopeless to me no matter how hard I pray and try to trust that God will take care of it.
I am hoping that through this study that I will gain the confidence to not have to ask these questions anymore. That I will simply be confident that God is in control of every situation and that I can put all my trust in the One that can fulfill ALL of my needs.
Amen to that. I also liked the whispers also spoke to me all of them in chapters 1&2
Procrastination I think that I always avoid to do things because the fear of rejection or failure I feel sure if I popose things. That’s is the main thought I have right now.
“Perharps you are good at hiding your doubts” this sentence spoke to me.
I meant “postpone” (sorry English is not my first language)
Gloria, you are so brave to be doing a Bible study in another language. Although I speak three languages other than my native one, and even use them in my work, I do not feel confident that I could join in a Bible study in one of them. Way to go! I am so thankful that God has put all of these sisters together to learn together all around the world.
The story about the shadow spoke to me for sure. one sentence that stood out (I think I cried through the whole first chapter) and I underlined was pg 21 where it says ‘The unknown is too scary. Although you’ve been miserable, at least the misery is familiar where you are now’. I am guilty as charged. the misery feels comfortable so I allow myself to stay in it because the unknown is too scary…….Huge wake up call. I want to get beyond the miserable and live confidently in God and see what unknown he has in store for me. I’m praying for us all to walk through this open to God. Open with each other (our stories will help one another no matter how scary it is to admit it and say it to women we don’t know). Let’s get all that God has for us….he’s waiting on us. Thank you Renee for this.
The unknown is too scary…… This is a phrase i have been dealing with over and over in my head. This year has been the hardest year that i have had to experience. My husband had an affair when our first daughter was 1. We decided to work at it – go to counseling etc. Now eight years later i find out of other woman during those years during the years we were going to counseling, etc. During which time we have had another child. He still wants to make the marriage work. We are currently separated. i feel at such a crossroads in life – I did not grow up in a family with divorce, so this is not something i ever wanted, but there has been so many lies and betrayal, i just don’t have the desire to work at it. i also don’t feel God would want me to stay in a relationship like this. So i relate so well with the doubts, fears, and unknown things ahead in my life. I am praying that my heart can find healing and become more confident and i can become closer to God to see what he wants me to do in my life. Everything looks scary to me right now.
Let God lead you. Pray and listen very carefully to His directions. I recently read Hope for the Separated by Gary Chapman. It is very good and knowing that you are doing what is right and just for His glory has helped immensely. God’s plans are better than we can imagine IF we are obedient to His word. Take care!!! XOXO
Two things really encouraged my heart this morning.
1. The reminder to pray God’s Word aloud and the power in the spoken Word!!
2. Hebrews 10:35-39. I can completely identify with the “shrinking back” picture, and I was reminded of the
crucial goal to aim to “please Him” above everything else as I live out my life and make my daily decisions.
Thank you Renee for following God’s direction, being totally transparent, and creating this study for us….the non-confident women who want to change! All my life I’ve been afraid of something to the point of making myself physically ill at times. I was taught that being confident was the same as acting like I was better than others. Because of my lack of confidence in myself, I stayed in an abusive marriage for over 13 years and raised my daughter in that environment. I want to help women that are in that same situation today, but first I must conquer these self-doubts that still haunt me.
I am so excited that “the God of hope is calling me out of the shadow of my doubts so I can live with a Confident Heart!” I am so so so ready to begin this new chapter in my life. I just accomplished a huge step in my business and I don’t want to allow my lack of confidence in myself to shut me down….again. I know that God has placed me in this place as a ministry for my life and I don’t want to throw it back in his face for a second time.
Debbie, may God give you the courage to persevere and overcome. Good for you.
What a way to start a new study! Jeremiah 17:7 is just what I needed to hear today. Yes, hearing the daily prayer and scripture does make a difference for me. Thanks Renee! What sentence jumped out to me this morning? The sentence that states WE make choices. I too often forget that and use the I can’t statements as my excuse. When I’m in the Word, life is simpler and excuses a lot smaller.
Thank you, Renee for this Study. I will continue to believe that God will you this Study to help me overcome my self doubts and thoughts of insecurity. Thank you so much for listening to God’s calling and for allowing Him to use you to help all the women who struggle like me. The Bible verse that has really spoken to me today is Isaiah 49:23 “Those who hope in the Lord will not be disappointed.” I will make this my life verse as I go through each day and say it over and over again until I feel confident to do whatever it is that I am scared of. Thank you so much, Renee.
Page 25 I loved when you wrote, “when we pray God’s words out loud, and hear them, the Holy Spirit engraves them on our hearts.” That touched me. Sometimes when I read the Bible I feel like I am just reading another book. For what ever reason nothing resonates with me. But to know that the Holy Spirit is listening to what I am saying put it in a whole new way of reading the Bible for me.
This will be the third time I start this book! Never have I had such difficulty getting through a Bible study! I have a feeling it’s because I’ve allowed satan to distract me from some major growth God wants from me in the weeks ahead. The shadow of doubt part of chapter one speaks LOUDLY to me, as I have so often found myself there. I anticipate God growing me greatly as I go through this study with 7,999 other women! Think, girls, of what God can and will do in and through us if we will persevere and stick with this to the end…
This is also my third time to start the book….once last year with the on-line study; we are now in Chapter 9 of the study in our LILIES Bible study group on Thursdays; and now, again, the on-line study. I am really going to GET IT this time, I pray! I am asking God to stay with me through this study to the end and to keep the enemy away. It is so easy to become distracted, which makes him very happy. Imagine how thrilled God must be to see that 8,000 of his daughters are coming together to learn His ways. Praying for all of you today!!