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?
The more I read this book I feel like wow did God tell Renee about my life and my feelings and put them in a book to help me walk through all of this. I have always tried to fill my heart with whatever I could, especially men since I was 3. I am very educated, despite not liking school, because I always felt being very educated and having a respectable job would bring me the accolades I so desperately desired from anyone who would give them to me. I just wanted to be significant to someone, anyone. I am now learning that I can only be whole and have my full worth and unconditional love from God, no man can or ever meet that need, not even if I am to get married. I, like Renee, thought drinking enough could numb it out, and even smoking pot, but it got to the point that my pain just increased with consumption and enough was never enough to take away the pain. I am in the healing process today and even though the future isn’t clear I feel hope today. I am still struggling thinking about men but God is doing a work and letting me know that only he can fulfill and a husband is a gift not what defines me.
Well I am a little late posting here and am running a little behind with the study. I have read the foreword and really enjoyed it. I plan on catching up the rest of the way this weekend.
Well I just finished the first chapter, and I have to say thank God I am not in this alone. I looked deep into different insecurity issues. I can’t wait to keep going to see what is next!
It is so nice knowing we are not alone, I feel a sense of relief and comfort.
when i read the line that said “go ahead and give up, just close the book and give up” i understood. i have been putting off doing this, reading even the first chapter because its easier to give up. but i need a change and i cant change by myself, i need a confident heart, one that does remind me i am a child of God and that he does love me and wants to give me all His blessings. please pray for me that i will continue with this study and not give up and will allow God to show me how to have a confident heart.
God bless you for such great work you are doing in life of women.
Sorry for commenting so late. I just got my book! I praise God that he brought this book into my life. I had a friend who shared this bible study on facebook and that is how I found out about it. This book is me! Just reading the foreword I started crying! This book speaks to me on a level that speaks to the very core of my heart. I highlighted alot in chapter 1! Its weird for me to do this by myself but I am hoping that since so many women are doing this that I will get feedback and support! God bless
Hey!
I’m kind of late but I’ll answer the question anyway!
the thing that really spoke to me was realizing that … -It’s not Supposed to be this way- I really am able to fight with doubt and those other bad feelings.
I relate to your story in the father part. Because I grew up without a father. He left us when I was 2 and made suicide when I was 5!
Hello All,
I am really looking forward to this study! Confidence has been a lifelong struggle for me and frankly I’m tired of the battle. It’s time to overcome and conquer this once and for all. As I read the first chapter what struck me most, and made me feel as if Renee was writing about my own life, was this line: “moving from believing in God to believing in God.” That’s my life in a nutshell. My inability to believe God’s promises apply to me has directly impacted my ability to feel confident and secure, and has led to choices I otherwise would not have made were I healthier and bolder. I look forward to the change that is to come and praise God in advance.
– Rochelle
What sentences in Chapter 1 resonate with your heart or speak to you in a personal way?
Renee God whispered to your heart: You can only see the shadow because you have turned away from the light. Turn back toward the light.
ALTHOUGH I DIDN’T THINK I’D TURNED, IT HAPPENED! DISTRACTION AFTER DISTRACTION CAUSED ME TO LOSE FOCUS!
If you are looking for a friend you can trust with the things of your heart, this book is a great place to start.
THAT’S ME!
I RELATE TO THIS STORY BECAUSE I KNOW DOUBTING AND BEING INSECURE IS NOT HOW IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE. GOD IS SHARING THROUGH YOU THAT YES IT’S REAL IN OUR HUMANITY BUT HE’S THE OUTLET, IN WAYS I’VE YET TO DISCOVER. BECAUSE I WANT TO, HE’S HELPING ME EVEN NOW!
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?
A lot of Chapter 1 resonated with me. I highlighted a lot of the negative or doubtful thoughts that were mentioned because it portrays exactly how I have felt and still feel at times: “What’s wrong with me?”, “I hated feeling this way,” “I avoided some great opportunities because they brought the risk of rejection,” “Now here I was years later, a grown woman in ministry, doubting myself again. It was getting old,” “Or maybe you’ve sensed God calling you to serve Him in a way that requires steps of faith, but insecurity has convinced you that you’re not smart enough or gifted enough,” “The unknown is too scary. Although you’e been miserable, at least the misery is familiar where you are now,” “Just like my shadow on the wall was distorting my shape, my doubt was distorting my thoughts and overpowering my emotions with confusion and questions. The shadow of doubt had become bigger than what I doubted–myself.” The list goes on and on. I also highlighted where it talks about how I can only see the shadow because I have turned away from the light, and I need to turn back toward the Light, and I highlighted the Scriptures. One of my all time favorite verses is Isaiah 43:19, and Romans 8:28 is another. There is so much that I highlighted in this chapter that I can’t put it all here because I would be hogging up too much space (as I’ve probably already done), but I, too, have found that as I dwell on God’s truths, I am more at peace and my doubt withers away. Whereas when I dwell on my circumstances, my doubt grows and becomes a towering shadow above me that I feel unable to escape. I related to the story in this chapter because I have doubted myself in far too many ways, for far too long. It helps because it lets me know that I’m not alone and hopefully not as crazy as I feel like I am sometimes when I go through doubts and mood swings, and that there is hope and that just as you have overcome, Renee, I can also overcome continually, and not just some of the time, but all of the time, as I trust in and rely upon my Savior.
This study inspired me to start blogging again. I have posted my answers to the questions there for you to read. http://wildntexas.blogspot.com/2013/04/ch-1-discovering-shadow-of-my-doubts.html
The sentences that struck me most while reading are:
“In the shadow of doubt, insecurity paralyzes us”
“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.”
“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. 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.”
“When we pray God’s words out loud, and hear them, the Holy Spirit engraves them on our hearts and writes them in our thoughts.” Those words resonated with me and I’ve also found reading scripture aloud helps me to focus on not only the words but also the meaning.
I could also relate to your public speaking dilemma. And loved your hearing God say, “Turn back toward the light.” Amen!
As I read over some of the previous posts I realize that the feelings I have had for most of my life are not unique. I went to Sunday School and children’s church every Sunday. Went on Sunday and Wednesday nights only on special occasions. I prayed for salvation long before I truly understood and renewed my commitment many times over. I never had anyone to lead me beyond salvation to relationship with God. I was baptized in high school and felt like I was moving closer but then was lost again in college. Self doubt has been a part of my life since high school. My father and step mother always told me I was lazy and gettingor to get fat because I would rather read than run around outside. No matter how hard I worked in school I never felt good enough. Now I am in a wonderful loving relationship with 3 children and I struggle daily with whether or not I am doing my best as a mother and wife . I am also just barely starting to understand how to study the Bible and grow closer in my relationship with God. Praying this study helps my confidence in daily life and helps me move “beyond believing in Him to really believing Him by relying on the power of His words …”
I think one (out of many) things I got out of this weeks lessons was going below the surface with God. In the many years I have been saved I don’t feel that I have ever really developed that deep down relationship with GOD. I have always known God was a part of my life but I have not known Him like I should. I let hurt feelings from some close church friends judging me get in the way of my relationship with the Lord and shake my confidence in many ways.
I have had times when my parents have not spoken to me for years at a time for one reason or another. It is comforting to know that Jesus is always there for me. He will never leave me.
I want to start going below the surface with God and gain the confidence to be the woman I’m supposed to be and live the Godly life I should have been living. He knows the desires of my heart better than anyone.
I can relate to so many stories posted. I am so happy to be taking this journey with you all.
Hi Mary B. – It is so good that you are trying this again. I will pray for you to make the time needed to connect with the study group. I believe that anytime we try to come closer to God or make our relationship with him better, Satan does intercede and try to make it difficult, if not impossible. I will pray that you see any distractions for what they really are. So glad to see you Mary B!
Tammmy
Loved the waterskiing example Renee. I suffered from severe separation anxiety as a child (and just plain ole anxiety now). Fear of being left behind enveloped me; school was a nightmare. Because of this, other kids would laugh stare and make me an outcast. I would develop a pattern of never trying new things for fear of rejection and failure. That has followed me into adulthood. I won’t even attend an exercise class because I’m afraid of being watched. Since becoming chronically ill seven years ago, I’m even afraid to “try” things that I used to excel at, for fear of not being able to perform as well as I once did, bringing on further thoughts and feelings on failure. The verses and questions give me hope! A reminder that Jesus knows it all before I even come to Him.
Hi, I’m from Wisconsin, in my mid-40’s and have been a single women all my life. I have been told by others that I’m very resilient and seem to successfully make it through any situation I’ve encountered (i.e. owning a house and being unemployed, etc.). I’ve also been told I’m a risk taker which I definitely don’t believe.
To answer the 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?”
The sentence that is most profound to me in Chapter 1 is at the top of page 24, “beyond believing IN Him to really BELIEVING in Him by relying on the power of His words and living like they are true no matter what my feelings tell me.” I want to learn to do this, but am not sure I know how.
I also related to the first chapter with the idea of being all excited about a speaking engagement, social party, etc., but when the time comes I have changed my mind and want to stay home. It is comforting to know that others feel the same way that I do, but it is also saddens me to feel this way.
I’ve tried to do this study before but life was busy & I wasn’t able to finish. As I start again I already see why this is God’s time that I go through it now. Immediately the first verse jumped out to me. This week I have prayed Hebrews 10:35-36 for a friend & for myself. I have also reminded myself “…when I choose to dwell in the assurance of Whose I am & who I am in Him, I have a confident heart.
I really had planned to start this study on the 1st of April when it began. It is now the 5th of April and have finally sat down to begin. I am going to change my priorities and make this top of my list. I need this shot in the arm. I want to be more confident. I had the opportunity to go hear a christian band tonight but I stayed home because of my insecurities. But the positive side is that I got into this study!!!!!
I really like this book so far, I of course couldn’t find women to do it with me so this is the next best thing, I was sooo excited I started it and well it was hard to not stop! so I have stopped where I was and gone back to go slower with this study. this book speaks to me and is helping me fill those gaps in my heart and spirit. it is real life a great read easy to grasp concepts and I am so glad I got it and am able to better myself, for myself and for the betterment of God and his will for my life. it’s been a long time since I was excited and challenged by our church but I am getting it with this book! I also love the study questions and writing my answers out…thinking and learning through it, its an amazing feeling!
I too have always struggled with self-doubt. Growing up, I was never good enough – or at least that is what I was taught. Well-behaved – great student – lots of interests – nothing was ever enough to please my parents. My daughter actually told me to read this book. She is now living in another state and her church offered a Women’s Bible study using this book. Every thought in Chapter 1 was on target but some of my favorites are –
…doubt and hope can’t live in out hearts at the same time…
…live like His words are true no matter what my feelings are telling me…
Thank you for this opportunity.
What sentences in Chapter 1 resonate with your heart or speak to you in a personal way?
“Over the past few years, I’ve found lasting confidence by living daily in the security of God’s promises.” This is the answer that I have been searching for. His words and personal promises to me need to be on the surface and center in my daily thinking. They have not been, even though I wake up early to be with Him and as a result receive peace and happiness in the morning. But throughout the day busyness, difficult family situations and noticing my own weaknesses take center stage in my thinking, not His words. I want to make His words the central part of my thinking later in the day.
It is wonderful to be free from doubts and fears. but they keep coming back. I attain freedom from them just for it to come back later. I believe thinking on His words will prevent thoughts and feelings of insecurity.
How did you relate to my story in this chapter?
I too have wanted God to “sap me with confidence” not knowing how to attain it myself. Yet I don’t think He works in this way. In her story she did ask for His help, she prayed and He led her to an answer. Prayer was an important part but I think He also taught that more must be done…to choose and keep looking at the light, His light…His words.
I have always struggled with self-doubt. I had a hard time figuring out what my earliest memory of self-doubt was. I can’t really remember a time when I didn’t struggle with it. I made some very poor choices recently and the self-doubt has been running rampant. This book is exactly what I needed. Even after reading just the first chapter, I have such hope. I spent so much time telling my husband how great it was and how much I can relate to everything…I probably could have read another chapter in the amount of time I spent raving about the book 🙂 I am totally looking forward to the rest of this study!
I have to say I thank God for this book. Reading the first chapter as already filled me with hope of growing into a deeper relationship with Christ. The words that immediately spoke to me was “Turn back to the light.” I notice when I start looking at my circumstances, everything around me, or on worldly things; I become frustrated. I have such a sense of peace right now and I know His presence is with me as I reread the scriptures in this chapter. I know I am a little late, because I forgot I signed up for this bible study, but I am so happy I got it just in time to catch up. I truly believe this book is going to help me build a confident heart for Jesus. God bless you all and thank you Renee for starting this bible study.
Wow – the first chapter hit home so hard. I had not really thought about how much self-doubt I really have. I have very early memories of doubting myself because no matter how well I did at something, I was always told I could have done better. I know that I was being pushed to be the best, but I longed to hear something like “That was great – you did a really good job” not that was OK – try harder next time. Insecurity has kept me from doing a lot of things in my life and I had totally given up on having any dreams for the future. I always felt “I can’t do this” so I didn’t try most of the time. I learned that if I didn’t try to do things or move forward I didn’t get hurt that way. Therefore I have almost no self-confidence in myself and I know that it does have a big impact on me. I realize that I need to believe in myself and it really doesn’t matter what other people think. I need to look to the future and know that I can do things and be the person I truly want to be.
“I mean, if God calls you to do something, shouldn’t you feel confident about it? Shouldn’t you want to do it? Shouldn’t self-assurance be part of God’s equipping?” This sentence sums up how I feel about my life right now as a stay at home mom. I feel ill equipped and like it is a daily struggle for me and am constantly questioning myself and if I am doing right by my children.
The sentences in chapter one that really spoke to me were about seeing your shadow and how huge it is compared to your actual body. It’s like a symbol of all the weight you carry won’t just give it all to God. This is something that is hard for me to do because I think I can handle everything. But I am coming realize that I can’t. I am trying really hard to turn my problems over to God.
“Are you ready to let His word change the way you think, which will determine the way you feel and eventually transform the way you live (Rom.12:2)?” Reading the verse with this statement has brought a new understanding of the verse … Not copying the customs/behaviors of the world but changing the way you think… I had thought this scripture had ment not being like the world as in their standards morals etc, but the Holy Spirit opened my heart for it to mean much more. The world thousands doubts and fears at us, comparisons, not measuring up. But god wants my heart and mind to be transformed from that way of thinking and believing, to His way. He never speaks doubt over me! He never thinks I don’t measure up. he has the hope and confidence in me that I has so much to offer Him and others!! I am renewing my mind and transforming myself into a new person! A child of God!
Reading this first Chapter, made me excited.. ready to drink and sit by the refreshing stream of fresh water… tosit back and enjoy and become anew and refreshed.. It allowed me to be Free to grow… The line that sticks out the most to me , well there are tons of them but the main one is .. “We will lear to LIVE BEYOND THE SHADOWS OF DOUBT BY HODLING EACH OF OUR INSECURITIES UP TO THE LIGT OF GODS WORD!!!! Amen to that … Love it…. My eyes are Wide open
I cried a lot while reading the first chapter. Some tears of gratitude for the shift I could already feel in my heart. More tears of sorrow for all the years lost in the shadows. Tears right now while writing this post. But for today I will know … “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5
For most of my life I have felt alone and lost in my doubt and lack of self worth. The emotional effects of this has overwhelmed me to the point I was crippled within it. Reading everyone’s stories here has truly opened my eyes to the fact I am not alone in my battle.
Reading A Confident Heart, journaling the experience and answering the question has helped begin bringing me to an understanding of what is going on in my head. And we’re only up to chapter 2.
“You can only see the shadow because you have turned away from the light” WOW…. so true… Our shadows are so much larger than we are.. Mine had overtaken my life, I couldn’t see over/under/around them they were so big. Yes I had turned away from the light.
Looking forward to finding all the keys to overcoming the shadows, keeping my eyes on the light and moving past believing in God to Believing HIM….
Feeling extremely blessed to be on this journey with you all 🙂
Like many others, ” You can only see the shadow because you have turned away from the light. Turn back to the light”, spoke to me. This brings to mind when Jesus says, I am the light of the world. I really like the fact that there is so much scripture references in this chapter. Another part that really stuck with me is, “Are you ready to let His Word change the way you think, which will determine the way you feel and eventually transform the way you live?” I am excited to move on to the next chapter.
The whole chapter I connected with, with the fact that I never really wanted to acknowledge how much doubt controls my life. I related to the part of where Rene just wanted to go back to her comfortability, that is how I felt many of times. I just wanted GOD to somehow cancel something, doubting myself, why I said yes, afraid of failing, many of the items Rene spoke about.
I am looking forward to getting my confident back in GOD and not in myself because that creates such big self doubt in me.
“These are 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. 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’ve seen this time and again in my life and until recently I don’t think I could place a term to associate the feelings I had-“I’m not good enough” was my internal motto and I have believed it to be true most of my life. I’ve never done an online Bible study before but I know it was God urging me to try it out because I know He has something much better for me than, “I’m not good enough.” The reason these sentences spoke to me is because I sincerely want to be the woman God has created me to be, but I know I can’t get there still listening to the lies that I have believed for so long. I am good enough. He sent His Son for me. He knows me and cares for me. I’m excited to begin this journey with you gals of transforming our insecure hearts into confident hearts!
The first verse Hebrews 10:35-36 spoke to me right away. Talking about not to throw are confidence away. I am a very shy and passive person. I do not like to speak up or even meet new people because it scares me and when i read the first sentence about Hebrews 10:35-36 I new that I will be ending this study with a lot more confidence.
As I kept reading chapter 1 I completely 100% was just like Renee in her marriage. I have never been able to trust people because my dad always made promises he could not keep and when i got married, i found myself not trusting my husband as well. Our marriage ended partly because of that. He was just not patient enough for me to change and fix the problem. As I read chapter 1 I also found that I do not trust God as much as I should. So when I read verse Isaiah 49:23 It kind of hit me, God is Almighty he will not disappoint me. And it gave me that reassurance.
I am so excited to learn more and see more promises that God has for ME because I am worth it 🙂 I can’t wait to learn to depend on His heart toward us and learn to actively trust God’s heart.
There have been many times that doubt has controlled my life. Never thought about it the way it was stated in the book, You can only see the shadow because you have turned away from the light. Turn back toward the light.
I have talked myself out of plenty of things by doubt, never thought about how controlling my doubt was until I started reading this book. There are things that I will never get a second chance at, that I talked myself out of because I doubted myself. Thinking there is no way I can do that and I don’t even try because it is easier not to. Instead of turning to HIM and believing HIM and the power of HIS word. I so want to be able to do that, turn to HIM and turn my doubt over to HIM and be the woman God wants me to be.
My favorite line from the book was this: “Self-doubt blocks the promise of God’s pet and truth to change us from the inside out so that we can live with a more confident heart.” This could not be more true for what I am going through. My self doubt has affected my job as well as my relationships with men. As I do see some progress as I have been walking with his for the past couple of years, it has made parts of my life unmanageable. I also love how she states it’s beyond believing in Him to actually believing Him. That sentence alone has opened my eyes. Believing God’s promises are true about even me who had messed up a while lot, will finally break this cycle of self-doubt.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen
Have doctor’s appointment tomorrow would love prayer for just peace and for them to find out what is wrong
and for me just to rest in the LORD for a calming heart
thanks
HI Dawn,
I don’t think it’s so much that God’s blessing is dependant on your study as much as by studying we are blessed. If you look for God’s grace it’s in his word, for his comfort- it’s in his word.
I don’t have children at home anymore but I understand the tired and feeling low on hope. I can’t find a job and the money will run out eventually. Where is hope and grace? It’s in knowing my God is Sovereign.
He meets me where I am at in my feelings of no hope and fear.
Praise is critical in times like this. Worship Sing doing laundry- praise God for the laundry for beautiful children. When they nap read a verse or two. You don’t need a marathon. But your hunger for HIs word will grow. A short daily devotional. Pray doing the dishes
These are the things I do when despair tries to tell me I am a loser. I am not a loser and neither are you -we are God’s sweet ladies and ask him ot show you how much you can do. He will Take a step and he will be right there to meet you.
(((Hugs)))
Renee,
I started th 7 day diet as well as this study together. I’ve been a christian for 34 years (since I was 5?) and the Christian walk has stalled since having children. I have a 3 1/2 and a 1 year old, and I haven’t had a full nights sleep since the 1st was born. My pastor (a women) says I need to be doing the disciplines (prayer, bible study, worship) but I’m just trying to keep up with the laundry and the dishes. I needed this book because I’ve been hearing lies “Your christian walk will never get better.” for example, and listening to them! I know I need to dig in to God, but where’s the Grace? Why is God’s blessing dependant on my study? I’m just so tired.
Hi Dawn,
Having raised 6 children of my own, I can relate to your feelings of “just trying to keep up.” I think the idea is to think on His words while you wash the dishes, clean the house and cook. Even focusing on one scripture a day will be enough to opening the door to receive His Spirit. Thinking on His words and singing hymns invite the Spirit and as a result we feel peace, contentment and sometimes great joy.
He knows you give it your best each day and will bless you for it. You are doing a “great work” in being a mother to those children.
The Christian walk gets better and better as long as we stay on the path. I believe it’s when we get off the path that life becomes harder. Anxiety, fear and insecurity grows when we stop attending church, praying and looking to Him for guidance and strength. He is a protector from those things.
We grow in faith, as a result of turning to Him during difficult times. As our faith grows, so does our peace, contentment and joy. Every struggle that I have had has been worth it. I am so glad I hung on during the difficult times and I have had some really difficult times…my husbands health problems and the death of my daughter. I kept my faith and my integrity.
You need to study-compemplate on His words because it can make you stronger and happier. You will probably have to find ways to do it while you are doing something else. Listen to Christian music or pick out a scripture to think about from this book. May you find refreshment as you seek His light. His words can prevent you from becoming worn down. It’s about inviting Him into your life, so He can make it better. God bless you….Charlene
I have for as long as I remember, listened to “doubt’s whispers”. I don’t really know why…my parents loved my wonderfully! I was never abused. I can’t think of one good reason for my lack of confidence, but trust me it is there!!!
I so desire the prayers of all of my sister in Christ!!!!
You have them (prayers). I think sometimes we get into comparing ourselves to others…don’t know if you do or not…but I have. If so, just remember God made you precisely the way you were meant to be…and that He desires to use you in ways to bless others and accomplish His will that only YOU can do…you were created for such a time/place as this. Be blessed!
I do too Cherri–it’s something the enemy uses against me so much. But I am like you, I am determined to stop letting the enemy beat me up so. Grow in knowledge of Whose I am and Who I am because of the Blood of Jesus flowing through my veins. Several years ago I watched a Christmas play and the message kept being “All you need is a willing heart”–God can/will use anyone who is open to His call. So I am believing this Bible Study is for me right here and right now in this season of my life to change me forever into being Who God wants me to be. I HAVE a willing heart. I’m very thankful for all of you who are doing this with me and posting. I don’t have any close friends anymore to share things with and talk to, but reading y’alls posts makes me know I am not alone and God has put us together. God Bless everyone of My Sisters on this journey with me.
Pages 22 and 23 particularly stood out to me. I am very guilty of listening to doubts whispers and believing them to be true, I will never be able to achieve something either because I’m not good enough, or I don’t deserve it. I have a lot of friends who are extremely confident and can be domineering and I have always been “in the background” and thought that I could never be that way. I don’t think I would want to be, its not in my personality, but I would like to be more confident in myself, my abilities and discovering the gifts God has blessed me with. Right now I am not working and sometimes feels like I don’t have a use or a purpose, I long for my husband and I to have a baby and yet that is happening to everyone around me but not me, I am doubtful it will ever happen! My greatest desire in life, however, is to see my husband come to know the Lord. Sometimes I see little steps of progress and the devil comes right along and tells me its never going to happen and I might as well just give up trying!
I bought this book after I had finally got out of job last year that had made me feel worthless, insignificant and rejected. I read a couple of chapters and never picked it back up, I am terrible at reading. When I saw the opportunity to do the study online with others, I immediately picked it back, signed up and am dedicated to completing this study – thank you Renee for challenging me! I look forward to hear what God has to tell me.
I struggle with believing this for me. It seems God is always fixing other people, but not me.
Missy,
I used to feel the same way. Everyone else had discovered this great support system-Him and I was still trying to find Him. But now it is different for me. I wake up early in the morning and have some quiet time where I strive to be close to Him. In time He blesses me with peace and goodness. I guess what I am trying to say is that one needs to make time for God and spend time with Him, thinking, praying and reading. It will take time but eventually you will feel His peace, His presence. You won’t feel that way anymore, that He is not there for you. Then you will want to keep doing it. We have to pay a price to know God…by being still and inviting Him into our lives. God bless you in your journey. Once you find Him, your life will never be the same again.
The sentence that spoke the most directly to me in Chapter 1 is on page 23 at the top “Perhaps you are good at hiding your doubts and no one but you knows the paralyzing power they have on your life” This is true in general, I am good at hiding doubts, fear, feelings, the real me, even good things like faith, witness, friendship for fear of rejection…..In fact, maybe I have been my own worst enemy by not discovering who I truly am in Christ and allowing and trusting God enough to surrender my will and my way to His.
I am so glad I signed up and took the time TODAY to commit to reading my bible and then diving into the book again. I desperately need to reconnect with the Lord and focus on time with Him daily.
Reading the doubt statements was like taking a journey back in time! I realized when I have listened to those whispers of self doubt in the past that it was then I made mistakes in my life. I crippled my athletic abilities in high school, my wife abilities when I was married, mother abilities and christian abilities now when I fall for these statements… “they weasel their way into our minds and disguise their voices to sound like ours.” It was pretty scary to read…the adversary is a weasel and I dislike when he caprtures my thoughts!
Hi Corina,
I agree with you, the adversary does try to destroy us through doubts and fears. I believe in the adversary as much as I do God. I think they are both trying to reach us and there is a night and day difference between the two voices. The adversaries goal is to destroy our lives and make us miserable. He does this through our thoughts. God’s plan is to free us from fear and despair and for us experience peace in spite of our circumstances. He will help us live a full and rich life. I also don’t want to fall for those lies, I want to stand up to them and seek truth about myself and God. God bless you…Charlene
Hi ladies,
I decided I wanted to start this journey, because like all of us, I, too, need to grasp the idea and actually believe in having a confident heart. I was not going to write down my past and put myself out there, but I am in desperate need of finding that healing only He can give me. I need encouragement, CONFIDENCE, to not listen to that voice inside me saying “if you share you’ll only be weak. You’re going to throw yourself a pity party” I am not. I don’t need anyone to feel sorry… I just need His healing, His truths. I grew up in a non-believing household, although my mother will tell you she believes it’s not what I have been shown in the past year a believer is. My heart grew cold and hard at a young age… divorced parents, single mother raising 4 children on her own, me being the oldest I had to take on a lot of responsibilities. Help raise 3 kids while being a kid myself. Having a father who was there but not there for us. Being molested by a man who I thought cared. My heart became hard, sad; depressed… my faith was running low. Then I thought I was in love and got pregnant with my first child at 19… a boy. He died when he was 6 months old. He was born very sick. My faith…. I didn’t have faith. Hurt and anger filled my heart. I felt alone, lost. I felt as if He did not love me… if He did why did I go through all I went through… He blessed me with a GREAT family… and 4 BEAUTIFUL children. I accepted the death of my son but still felt empty… This emptiness I have felt as long as I can remember. I oldest daughter was diagnose with cancer about a year and half ago… it pushed me over the edge. I felt more hopeless than ever. I thought I was truly untouchable in that department. I thought He wouldn’t allow me to suffer from a sickness in one of children again. I was like a zombie, really hoped I would not wake up to live another day. Then one day I met these two most beautiful, soul, women who have changed my life forever. They are women of God. I wanted the beauty and love they had for life. I wanted my emptiness to be filled. I didn’t want to long to be loved anymore. I met Jesus and my whole heart has changed… I’m not perfect and I struggle with myself everyday because I want His approval. I want to be like Him. I want to love and be obedient. I want to be used for his purpose. My emptiness is not so empty anymore. He is who/what I have been looking for all my life. I’m hard on myself as we all are. I just need to tell those discouraging voices to be quiet and have the courage to pray His word over my family and myself. I need guidance and I have prayed for guidance… I found the women of Proverbs31. Their devotionals are fascinating; I find them helpful in my journey to grow closer to Him. Thank you for allowing me to vent. I hope that this will be the beginning of my transformation to becoming a woman with a CONFIDENT HEART in Him and me!!! I am truly blessed to have found you all. God Bless ALL of YOU!!!
“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’ve known since a was a little girl what God has called me to do for Him and I’ve always held onto it. After a failed marriage of almost 7 years where I was verbally and physically abused, I felt as if I could never walk in the calling again because of my past. I stepped away from the calling for a few years and kind of hid inside the church, where I was told that I could not walk in the calling the way I had felt because of having two children so in a way the verbal abuse continued. God moved my family to another church (about 3 years ago) where we are being taught that God is a God of second, third, fourth, etc chances. Within the past couple of years, I began walking in the calling, like I had felt I should, and have really enjoyed it more than I did before my 1st marriage failed. Within the past year, my second husband of almost 11 years and I were asked to lead worship for the children’s ministry at our church. I know my past and though God is still taking me through the healing, I have almost quit this new adventure many times. Because of my disappointments and embarrassments throughout my life, being told that I can’t do whatever or I’m not good enough, I struggle to live confidently in that God will provide all of our needs and because of Jesus I’m good enough to do whatever He asks of me. I really want to live a life confidence.
Angel, I’m so glad OUR God guided you to another church where they were able to teach you your worth. You are a strong woman and deserve nothing but the BEST God has to offer… and more. Keep walking in faith and have that confidence He wants you to have. He’s been waiting for you for a long time. He is an awsome God and so proud of who you have become with all you have gone through. God bless you and your family!!!
I admit I began reading through ‘A Confident Heart’ several months ago but never completed the whole book. So, I am very excited to go through this study with you ladies. In reading through Chapter1, there is a short paragraph on page 22 that emphasizes how we are ‘not alone’ in dealing with self-doubt and insecurities. I can’t explain how powerful a statement that is to me. I’ve struggled with personal insecurities for as long as I can remember and to have this statement “You are not alone” pointed directly at me is such an encouragement! Thank you so much!
I journaled about and appreciated many things from the first chapter, but the part that by far stood out the most was the story surrounding the verse from Mark 9…”All things are possible to (her) him who believes.” It wasn’t so much the verse, though the verse often encourages me. It was the story of the father. You see, this man had a son who had suffered from demon possession since childhood. I don’t know how old the son was, but I figure it had at least been a FEW YEARS that he had seen his son tormented by demons…convulsions, foaming at the mouth, thrown into fire, thrown into water, trying to destroy him. What torture to see this done to your child. So, he had already asked the disciples to help, but they couldn’t. Still hoping/seeking, he then goes to Jesus and says, “But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” I hear the incredulous voice of Jesus, “If You can! All things are possible to him who believes.” Here’s the part that stood out…and here’s the part that I hear in the cry of so many on here…”Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, ‘I do believe; help my unbelief.’” I hear the desperation in his voice…I’ve been tortured seeing my son destroyed. Please help me have whatever I need to believe…to not keep him from healing. I believe that is the type of sincere cry our Heavenly Father is longing to hear from us. We often carry our burdens unnecessarily for so long. He’s waiting for us. And, as he said, nothing is impossible… with Him. I have found that when I’m finally completely honest and heartfelt, raw…that’s when I truly find the grace, comfort, strength of the Lord…fully relying on Him…knowing there is no other solution…and that it’s futile to seek another solution. May we all know and trust this Lord who loves and saves. I’m excited for the journey each of us has started on here…though better perspective would show it has been and will continue to be a lifelong journey. May we all be blessed as we read.
Whoo! Amen! This whole post just tugged on my heart and just filled me with sadness and hope. I have so many people in my life (including myself) who struggle with things that just sometimes feel like they are impossible to ever overcome…and you go through seasons of praying, believing, and thinking that “this time” it will really stick!…and then it doesn’t, and it is so hard to begin again. Your perspective is very powerful and I am SO glad that you posted this. I needed this reminder. God bless! (I’m going to copy and paste this for someone I love who really needed to hear this)
What a very beautiful and profound way to share that particular scripture. I will never see it the same way. Thanks so much for sharing that!!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I really needed to hear that . I have trouble completely trusting God. I tell Him i give this problem or situation to you Father but in the back of mind I am trying to figure a way to fix it. And this story really hit home foe me. I just need to break down and believe. Thank you so much 🙂