Week 3: Confidence –
In the realms of leadership, particularly within the Christian context, confidence is often misconstrued as a personal attribute that someone either possesses naturally or acquires through experience and success. However, the Bible presents a distinctly different narrative about where true confidence originates. It is not born from the wells of personal strength, experience, or success, but is deeply rooted in trusting in God’s promises and His unfailing presence in our lives.
The foundational Scripture for understanding this concept can be seen in Joshua 1:9, where God Himself instructs Joshua to be “strong and courageous,” not to fear or be discouraged because God promises His unwavering presence wherever Joshua goes. This promise is crucial—it shifts the basis of Joshua’s confidence from his own capabilities to the dependable and eternal nature of God. Paul echoes this sentiment in 2 Timothy 1:7, where he emphasizes that the Spirit God gives us does not make us timid, but instead fills us with power, love, and self-discipline. Such verses are a clarion call to Christian leaders to base their confidence not on the shaky grounds of human ability but on the solid rock of divine assurance.
Leaders often face numerous challenges that can breed insecurities, such as feelings of inadequacy and the fear of failure. These fears can be paralyzing, pushing a leader into the darkness of self-doubt. This was true for Gideon, whose story is told in Judges 6. Gideon saw himself as weak and insignificant, the lowest in his family and from the weakest clan. However, what transforms Gideon’s narrative is God’s promise: “I will be with you.” God does not rebuke Gideon for his lack of faith in himself but redirects his faith towards a mightier source—God Himself. This pivotal moment for Gideon underscores a profound principle for all Christian leaders: true strength is divinely bestowed, not self-generated.
This acknowledgment brings us to the practical tactics for cultivating a godly form of confidence. Intentionally incorporating daily recitations of empowering Scriptures can fortify the spirit against waves of doubt. For instance, meditating on verses like Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”) or Psalm 46:1 (“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”) can renew our minds and reaffirm God’s promises. Moreover, engaging in persistent prayer specifically asking for courage, wisdom, and strength can invigorate a leader’s resolve and perceptibly draw them closer to God’s presence. Creating an environment of accountability, where peers or mentors provide support and wise counsel, can also help sustain a leader’s journey towards godly confidence.
Another significant aspect of godly confidence is distinguishing it from arrogance. While arrogance stems from an inflated sense of one’s own capabilities and often leads to self-glorification, godly confidence is steeped in humility and a deep dependency on God. Arrogance isolates; godly confidence invites divine collaboration. For example, when Paul asserts in Philippians 4:13 his ability to do all things, it’s crucial to contextually understand that his capability comes “through Christ” who empowers him, not through his own innate strength.
Leaders reflecting on their journey should consider the divine assurances that they can anchor their lives and leadership upon. Meditating on Scriptures that promise God’s presence, power, and provision can profoundly transform their approach to leadership—moving from self-reliance to a robust reliance on God.
In sum, confidence for the Christian leader is not defined by the absence of self-doubt but by the presence of faith in a God whose promises are inerrant and whose strength is perfect in our weakness. Leaders are thus called not to a path of solitary self-assurance but to a journey of faithful reliance on the God who calls, equips, and sends them forth.
