A door opened in my work that, while wonderful and exciting, would be way over my head to accomplish. Without even a single prayer, I headed to my office to write the email. Fearful to how hard the task would be, I didn’t have the kind of confidence it would take to say yes.
Then I stopped. What if this was God? Would God ask me to do something that was beyond my normal strength?
Yes, that did sound like it could in fact be a plan He would create. He would plan to put me in a place beyond my ability, so He could be fully seen.
There was a group of women in the Bible who also had every reason to also be fearful, yet they found the confidence they needed to make their move.
In Numbers 26, The Promise Land is being divided up among the sons of the tribes of Israel. This where we meet the daughters of Zelophehad (or the daughters of Z as I call them). Their story begins with their problem. Tradition dictated that only men were land owners. During the passage to Canaan, their father had died … with no sons. This would mean when the five daughters entered the Promise Land there would be no promise land awaiting them.
If they didn’t do something, they would be homeless.
They had a choice: listen to the voices of their culture’s tradition, the voices possibly whispering in their own minds or make their move.
In Genesis 17:8 God had said to Abraham, the daughters’ ancient grandfather, “The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you.” I believe the Daughters of Z knew this promise; the land was for all of Abraham’s descendants, even his granddaughters.
Confidently, they made their move.
They “… approached the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly, and said, “…Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.” Numbers 27: 2 & 4
Look at these gals!
Did they shrink back because that is “just the way it was”? Hiding behind their problem, this rejection? Allow it to paralyze them?
No. They were bold and confident.
The daughters of Z claimed what was theirs’s because they knew who they were and whose they were. They didn’t allow their confidence to be in doubt because of who others said they were.
What have you faced, what are you facing, that is blocking the way of you being a more confident you? Standing in the way of you making your move?
Maybe like the daughters of Z, it has been what you haven’t had. You’ve felt that in order to be confident, you needed more. You see others experience the success you want, but you don’t have the self-worth it takes to step out, take a risk. Daily, you compare yourself to her. You know who she is. The one you wish you had her life: her job, her family, her husband, her body. No wonder she’s confident. I would be too if I had what she’s got. If I just had more.
I get that. I, too, have faced situations where I felt I needed more; more education, more connections, more creativity, more opportunities, more favor.
Perhaps you have felt confident in the past, but it just doesn’t seem possible any more. Your someone is gone, your someplace you no longer are or your something you no longer have … and you no longer have your confidence.
But you want it! You want to be brave, bold and go after the desires in your heart.
The daughters of Z knew what belonged to them as granddaughters of Abraham and daughters of God. This knowing gave them the confidence they needed to do what they needed to do.
I’m discovering, as I learn of and believe what God says about me, confidence comes!
My thinking is switching from what I think about me and my circumstances to what He says. Putting down confidence-crushing thoughts allows us to pick up Christ’s Confidence.
- He says He is my confidence.” for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” Proverbs 3:26 (ESV)
- He says I am blessed when my confidence is in Him. ““But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)
These are messages we have to tell our heart: His truth.
Today’s our day to get the confidence we desire – Christ Confidence.
We can choose not to build our confidence on someone, someplace or something – things that we can lose or have taken from us. Unshakable confidence is built upon our unshakeable God! We can choose to dig into God’s word for ourselves and discover His promises. We can stand on those promises, becoming wise and confident women like the Daughters of Z!
ENTER TO WIN LYNN’s GIVE-AWAY
Has there been a time when your confidence was shaken? Comment below for a chance to win a copy of Lynn’s Make Your Move Bible study book and DVD bundle. (Due to high shipping costs, we can only consider U.S. entries.)
In Make Your Move, Lynn Cowell explores how confidence-in-question keeps us from boldly experiencing what God intends for our lives. Learn more about her new Bible study and download 10 Verses to Build Your Confidence here.
My friend Lynn Cowell is a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and the author of several books, written for women of all ages. Her new Bible Study Make Your Move: Finding Unshakeable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures for women empowers us to find our confidence in Christ. Lynn calls North Carolina home, where she and her husband Greg, and the occasional backyard deer, are adjusting to life as empty nesters. Along with their three adult children, Lynn and Greg love hiking, rafting and anything combining chocolate and peanut butter. You can connect with her on Facebook at Lynn Cowell.
Definitely struggle with confidence. didn’t have much growing up. lost it all during my marriage. Regained and was making progress with God’s help but now that I am disabled…. Know God still has a plan but right now circumstances are making it harder for me to know what to do.
Thank you for sharing this devotional, because this is just what I needed to hear this morning. I have a lack of confidence in things I do.
Hi Lynn
I am actually living in shaken moment right now and I am actually questioning my next move.
I came from Mexico a little bit over 10 years ago as a missionary and marry a man of the same church.
These days have been a little bit different for me I had a group of moms praying for our children but they stop coming so I decided to volunteer at my kids school but I am not sure if this is the right direction for me right now I don’t know if I am going to find a person who need to know God (I know that everyone needs God but in the school I can’t talk about God) so I am praying and crying if this is the direction that I need to follow or its just me being afraid of what might come in my way.
Thank you for your post, not long ago I also red about the daughters of Z, as you call them, I know that I need to trust in God and be strong to make the next move.
A few weeks ago I was asked to come sing at a small church in Fountain Mi. Going thinking I was doing special music for the service. I get their a little early to have time to pray and tune.my guitar.
The time came for me to sing and the.Pastor introduced me and said I had a song and a messagr.for them. Looking at me saying the pulpit is all yours. I looked up thinking okay God you have jokes.
I prayed and began.to sing, the words came between the songs, it flowed so smooth. Trusting God had things in control, several people were touched.
Because it was God!
I have been wanting to start a women’s bible study group but everytime I start to think about it i start thinking I’m not good enough, smart enough, people who know me would scoff because of things I’ve said or done in the past and the list goes on
My confidence was shattered 2 1/2 yrs ago when we had to move from all I had ever known to a new stated due to hubby getting laid off. We ended up in a state where we knew no one and left all our friends and my family. It’s been a real adjustment. But we have found an amazing church family and homeschooling community. We also started homeschooling when we came here and SHEW! That tore my confidence right down. God has really humbled me through it all. Our finances are becoming a real issue due to his job not earning nearly as much as his previous one. I’m doing what I can, like keeping a baby and being a beach body coach, but my confidence lacks in being the BB coach I want to be. I would also love to blog more and write a book. Prayers! TY so much for this timely devo! So glad to meet you at Suzie’s retreat! You are a delight!
I love my church and know I need to be involved a small group, of which there are many, but we do not have an all women’s small group. Recently we have had services on courage and stepping out of our comfort zone and being stretched. I have done that with mission trips – on to Haiti this past year that changed my life!! But I have felt a nudge to start women’s study group but have no confidence that I can do that – do I know enough about the bible, will I make the time to devote to it like I should, am I able to teach?! I love the camaraderie when women get together – that is what I am looking for. A place where I can learn with other women and share that bond that comes from a small group setting. I am thinking your book could be a step in the right direction.
I too struggle in this area of my life. I believe God has put me in a position in my life where I have no choice but to completely trust him instead of depending on myself, my abilities or others. The unknowns can be scary, but I also know I have a God that’s all knowing and he’s working to build my confidence to learn to live without fear.
At this season of my life, my confidence has taken a big hit. I recently dealt with a life threatening illness that put me in the emergency room and emergency surgery was the only option in order for me to survive. I’m so thankful to God for giving me another chance at life. I struggle daily because my body, my strength and ability to take care of myself as I once did, has taken a mental toll on my life. I’m very fortunate to have a godly husband who loves me and helps me as much as he can. The strong, confident, independent woman that once describe me, is now a slow, fading memory. My faith in God’s plan for my life has never waverd. God is the confidence that gets me through each passing day. I give him all the glory!
Gloria – your story and your unwavering faith in God through it all, may be His plan for you. I have not been where you are but there may be someone that comes into your life who is exactly where you are and you will be the one to help her through. Every day – lay that mental toll at the foot of the cross and look for Him in different ways throughout that day. He does have a plan – that you can hold on to.
My confidence has been shaken many times even now as I work on getting right with God again.
Nina – He will meet you right where you are. We are all broken inside – but give it all to Him, surrender and let Him help you to work through thisl.
This is an area I am struggling with. I think that it is under control and then BAM!!! everything seems to cave in.
Thanks for this Lynn and Renee.
I think my confidence has lessened as I got older and no longer co-facilitate a bible study group. I also travel for about 2 weeks every month and I haven’t been able to connect with my home church as much. Lots of transitions in my life… I know God has something for me to do besides what I am doing right now, and I am waiting in this ‘season’ for Him to make it visible.
I stay in the Word and do not dwell on the negatives but listen to His truth.
Thanks!
I have been working on a recovery group for my church for over a year, I feel like it is needful but don’t seem to have the boldness I need
My confidence is being challenged right now as I feel God is leading me to be a writer and I am just not sure where to start or if I really have it in me.
My confidence is not what I once experienced as an educator. Now that I have retired I have so many regrets that I neglected family and friends as I reached goals in my career. Now I must redefine my outlook and begin a new life that God wants me to live. Challenges are upon me but I do not want to be discouraged.
Critical words, trying new things, setbacks, and failures all shake my confidence. Reminding myself Whose I am and who I am in Christ helps me step out in faith.
Oh my, is this timely. My One Word for this year is CONFIDENT. I think God is trying to grow this in me. Shaky confidence is happening now as I face next steps in ministry. Am I really called? Can I do this thing? Sometimes one comment from someone can do me in. I love your post. Thanks for being His voice to me today.
I so needed this devotion, and reminder today. This past week I have allowed my confidence to be shaken; because I it was being built on the approval of others. Well no, more!! My motto going forward will be: Unshakable confidence is built upon MY unshakable God. As of this moment, I am putting down all those confidence-crushing thoughts, and only picking up Christ’s confidence.
Oh how this came at just the right time! Was God doing this? I think so! I have led my life without confidence more years than I can remember! The top things that I am thinking about are: staying at home to fulfill my dream of raising my own children, trying to go back to school after I was older and not being confident in that, losing my nephew that passed away unexpectedly, my uncle who was my mentor, and other family members around the same time, finding out that I had cancer and dealing with that. Then after the cancer scare and subsequent healing, I had a whole new outlook and wanted to help people. I prayed and asked for God to bring people into my life to help. He sent an old friend who was having physical problems and needed someone to help her get back and forth to rehab. I enjoyed my time with my friend and loved helping her and when she felt better, she decided she didn’t need me around anymore and cut me off. So, once again, I was left defeated, broken and without confidence in anything, especially the feeling of what did I do? As you can see, I couldn’t even share my name b/c of no confidence. So this hit me in the face today and this book is something that I really feel the need to read and listen to the words. Life is so hard!
We all need a Confident Heart!
Ten years ago, my mother (and best friend), was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, my husband was looking for work for the sixth month and we were facing losing our house. My job was very demanding and I was dealing with a bully at work. My faith was shaken to the core and I had a nervous breakdown. Today, my parents are both gone, I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s last year after caring for him for two years, and my marriage is shaky after thirty years. My confidence was totally broken ten years ago and now I deal with frustration and grief everyday. I haven’t been able to work since my nervous breakdown, and I need the confidence to rebuild my life. Faith in God and confidence in His love for me are what I need, just finding the belief that I deserve it and can find it again escape me everyday.
Just this week I began the transition from full time work to part time and selling online at home so that I could take care of family obligations. My words this year are “seeking” and “standing firm” Am praying for confidence in this move; the song by Lauren Daigle Oh Lord Has become one of my all time favorites I will stand my ground where hope can be found Praying for all the other ladies on here too
I lack confidence to be myself every day in many areas, while some areas are full of confidence. I pray about each thing as I face it…some things aren’t instant answers! But I know God is there, listening, and has a plan.
My confidence has been shake for a while as I’ve let fear and doubt keep me from pursuing my dreams and goals. I keep getting encouraged and led to get my masters so I can continue working with ESL students, and I’d like to push for that. I started before and let my parents’ lack of support derail me. However, from my friends and other people’s background, I have learned I can pursue that and do well. I know God has equipped me for that.
My husband and I have been children’s pastors for 17 ye ars. In the past two ye ars, he has felt God stirring his heart to become a l senior pastor. I want to be supportive, but I am scared that I cannot be a good pastor’s wife. I am praying about it but need to be confident in God’s leading.
I have a hard time putting my thoughts into words, but here goes. My confidence has been shaken when I try to get to a healthy weight so I can feel better & have energy to play with my grandchildren. I have tried twice to join a Fit Life program through work & each time I have been raring to go & each time I have torn meniscus in my knees that required surgery. I am getting ready to try it for a third time. I pray the third time is a charm. I allow my weight to hinder my confidence in how people see me. I want to break this food cycle I’m in but I’m struggling with the confidence to think I can do it this time. Your blog mean a lot to me. Thank you for doing what God wants you to do.
I feel like God is calling me to more, but I am just too scared to take that jump. What if it isn’t Him and it’s just me thinking that that is something I want to do? This study sounds excelling
This really ministered to my heart. I tend to be an over-analyzer, especially when I’m facing the unknown. I’m learning to trust the voice of God and just step out in obedience when I know he’s directing me. I know that he is calling me to unfamiliar places this year, so I know that I need the confidence to follow his lead.
Always feeling alone in this world, not knowing how to love or be loved has made my life very lonely & isolated. Nothing is ever enough. I lived 39 years without God but have clung to Him for 21 years now but still fight the fear to love & be loved. I have lived a life of never trying for fear of failing (perfection) is never achieved so I stopped trying. Overwhelmed at being 60 & not accomplishing much I’m fearful of being completely alone at the end of my life. Yes God is always with me but I still struggle with accepting even His generous gift of love.
Greetings in Jesus’ Name:
My One Word for 2018 is Audacious (like Jesus) – fearless, brave. I took a wee step in this direction when I shared the word at church (calling it out when pastor asked for words we could take into the new year), and then going to the microphone to define the word and demonstrate a small step in being audacious – I do not like to speak in front of people and not with a microphone. 🙂 What was shared here really speaks to me and my one word. Praise God!! May God continue to richly bless you.
We have been in a battle that we are still praying through for several years, it has shaken me, us, for sure. This sounds like a study that would be a blessing. A blessing for whoever receives it.
After losing my father to cancer six years ago, I just lost my mother a week ago to cancer. Having both of my parents gone has definitely shaken me up and decreased my confidence. Relying on God is the only thing that is getting me through this difficult time.
Choosing to stop working to raise young kids, then years later wishing to find a job to help pay bills. But where to start looking and knowing couldn’t find a flexible job like the one you left. And probably not be supported in the choice to go back to work.
GOD bless you guys with wisdom on HIS direction for you and provision to more than enough provide for your family.
God bless your family and your❤
My confidence was recently shaken when I was told to back off a little when trying to get and give information I felt was important regarding a loved ones health.
Needing to refocus on this in my life! It seems to be something that I struggle with daily. I need to redirect my thoughts on what and who is unshakeable and move forward! Would Love to win this to do in a small group of women!
I hope you do and share it with your small group, Susan!
Yes,And YES!
So many times you find yourself in a place of out of the Move of god. how? how ,do we get back to where ,we walk again?
Right now we are in a place of If God doesn’t answer,we could be homeless on the street. My husband lost his job,has a call on his life and well,that must surely include me,how are we going to do this? wWe must make a Move. WHERE?
Oh Tonya! Being on the edge like that is beyond hard.
One of the women I studied for Make Your Move was Rahab. Your story makes me think of her. Daily, waiting, waiting, waiting. Knowing that surely destruction was coming. What was going to happen? The only instructions she was given was to hang the red cord in the window. Nothing else!
That red cord was the reminder she needed each day to just hang on and look for the spies to come. Hang on, friend. Keep your own red cord – all of the times God has been faithful to you in the past – hanging, confident that He will meet you and care for you!
I seem to have my confidence shaken almost daily with one thing or another. I’m ready to break this cycle and start living in victory. Thanks for a chance to win this bundle.
That is where I was, too, Heidi! I’m still working with the Lord and partnering with Him daily as new things come up that want to push my confidence back down. It is a continual walk to turn to Him with disappointment and perceived failures. I have to remind my heart that my confidence isn’t about me or built on me and my success … my confidence comes from Christ!
What a timely subject, having the gift of encouragement can be exhausting especially as I am one to pour my life into another. What happens when life happens and your confidence in your abilities to make things positive no longer is there? That is the struggle I find now as I am spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically exhausted…I look forward to reading this and finding the hope I know exists in God.
Wanda I pray you ask The Lord to make you a sweet receiver and that you’d sit at His feet and allow Him and others to minister peace and encouragement to your heart ❤. You deserve the good that you lavishly give out. You were made for both/ giving AND receiving. Even banks would go bankrupt if all they did was give and not receive monetary deposits. Let The Father love you and others also. God bless you dearly and may your heart and spirit be lifted high and receive new wind to pick up and go again. Heaven’s Best to you?
I leave you with Isaiah 40:28-31?
Wanda – your feelings are similar to what made me want to write Make Your Move. I was worn out from feeling confident one day and then scraping myself off the floor the next. I knew the Lord would want me to base my confidence on Himself, finding a confidence that would not shift based on my circumstances.
I hope you find God’s word in Make Your Move empowering to you as well!
I would have to say becoming a single mom when my daughter was only 4. There was a lot of mental and verbal abuse and in the end some physical. I was so afraid to move forward. Afraid of him, afraid of life and what would happen….but I felt the pull and prayed all the time for Him to bring me through. Today, 15 years later, my daughter is graduating and making plans to start her own journeys…all through the power of the the strength she saw God give me to be able to move through and move on.
Such a powerful story, Julie! I know many can receive encouragement through it! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! My biggest moment when my confidence was truly tested was moving out of a relationship after 10 years and 3 children, I only had a part time job and would not get any support – it was an abusive situation but Phil 4:13 got me through – I am now married with 3 more children and now have 16 grandchildren. It is still difficult but Jesus is the only way!
My confidence is in a season of shaking right now. Three years ago I lost a job that I dearly loved – as well as the community that surrounded me through that job. Since then I’ve walked through a roller coaster of emotions, yet never regained confidence. Grief and anxiety consumed me and I haven’t been able to return to work. It’s been difficult to accept myself doing anything else. I loved my job! But this past December I started sensing God telling me it was time to step back out – to focus on His call on my life and serve Him. I’m slowly pushing back out into the waters and waiting to see what doors He’s going to open. Needless to say, this devotion was spot on for me today. So many words I needed to read. Thank you!
Hi, Leigh Ellen: Thank you for sharing. I am sort in the same boat as you. The store for which I worked closed this past March. I had been working there for almost 2 1/2 years – after not working for may years, having had the privilege of being a stay at home mom while my daughters were in school. The job which came to an end this past March was a great job, growing/learning experience. I think I want another part time job, but the longer I wait the harder it will be. I see things coming down the road and don’t want to have to ask for time off shortly after I start, but that might not really be so bad. 🙂 I really don’t want to start over again, but. . . may God’s will be made clear and I step into it. My word for 2018 is Audacious – fearless, brave – I want to be audacious like Jesus – to the glory of God! All this to say, I pray for you to be strengthened in your inner man to push back into the waters and see what doors God will open. May you also know the peace of Jesus as you take those steps of faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
When I started having kids! Man you think you know things, and then you get that baby and you realize you have no idea!
I experienced the same thing, Sarah!
I remember people telling me: When you bring him home, you’ll instantly feel like a mom.
Nope – I still felt like a babysitter or worse yet, a fraud. I really needed someone to come alongside me early on and teach me not to base my confidence on that little, tiny life. As they begin to grow up and then make their own decisions, it can really shake you!
Thanks for giving us a chance to win. I would say my confidence is being challenged now with being sick again for the second month in a row,not working and having to live with husband friends.
That would challenge any one of us, Noelle! Trusting that as you find yourself in a situation you don’t want to, that you are leaning into Him for His strength and wisdom!
Wow! Many mornings I am too busy and consumed by my daily tasks and duties at work and will come back later to read theses emails. Today, it pressed on my heart to read this NOW. I have had my world shaken and turned upside to the very core of my being. I already struggle with depression, though very few people would know by looking at me or casual acquaintances. When my world is completely blown to pieces unlike many, it puts me in a spiral almost impossible to stop. God has sent me several signs similar to this to let me know He has me and I’m going to be ok. Trust Him; He has a new plan for me if I’m patient enough to wait and have CONFIDENCE IN HIM. Wow!! My heart is happy for the first time in weeks! ?
His timing continually astounds me!
In the last few years my husband and I have lost all our parents, my mither being the last just last Friday. Let me tell you, it rocks your world on many levels. Fear creeps in, lack of security, the unknown of our own limited time on this earth. Grief comes in many forms and each parent’s death seem to bring a new personal level of grief. I press on and lean on Him, but question each decision I make and have made as being significant.
I, too, have lost a parent, Sara.
Toward the end of last year, I started doing my own study on the Father heart of God. I needed it for me. Need to know that He can fill that void that I feel and that place I need Him to fill.
As you journey down your own road of grief, I pray that you will find our Father to fill that love gap in your heart as well.
This has been an issue for me for as long as I can remember. But I had found some balance in the last several year. Last year the Church of which I am a member experienced a split and now that balance has disappeared.
Pamela – when our “something” is taken from us, it sure can rock our worlds. I am so very sorry! I have been through a church split and it is very, very painful!
God can absolutely restore your confidence in Him as you spend time, allowing Him to heal this hurt and restore your spirit from the split. It’s ok to let Him know how much this hurt you and how sad you are. In fact, that is a great place to take a first step.
My confidence has been suffering hit after hit since June of 2014. Our family has been hit by one thing or another since. However, I read that “If you are constantly under attack of Satan…GOOD! He knows that God has something BIG planned!” I keep that promise in my heart and mind, knowing that our almighty Father has a plan for me, that at the end of this long, treacherous road God is there with my reward, something that will bring Him glory!
This would make an excellent Bible study for my group. Thanks for the chance to win!
What a perfect reminder to yourself, Theresa! I do hope you’ll choose Make Your Move as your study. If there is any way that I can be of help to you, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to help!
Also, you can view the first video to my study on my book page to see if it would be a good fit. The link is: http://www.lynncowell.com/make-your-move.
Thanks!
Amen sista!!
Two years ago I made the leap of faith to change jobs I had been at for 17 years. It has been the best decision ever! So very glad He is faithful!
Wonderful!
I find my confidence shaken when something at work doesn’t turn out the correct way. I convince myself that it is my fault and thus become less confident. But I need yo find my confidence, not in what happens and in outcome, but in my unshakeable God.
It sure is hard when things don’t go as we anticipated, or even how we needed them to go. I’m beginning to wonder, if sometimes God allows this in my life, so that I am more dependent on Him. I especially think this can be true when I begin to become too independent or am running full force with a plan … a plan that is mine and I am not tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit.
Other times I KNOW it is because the Lord is working humility in me. Not very fun, but something I desperately need!
i made a leap of faith move a year ago and left my family and friends, all that I knew for 52 years and followed God’s leading. It did not come with out fear and question but i conquered it and am loving where I am!!
God is good!!
That is so amazing, April! I am so glad God empowered you to take that leap!