Mark Twain once wrote, “To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.”

Luckily, ignorance is something I’m never short on. So I’m half way there. It’s the confidence that can be tough to come by.

Confidence is a powerful thing.

With it, we feel like we can tackle anything.

Confidence is a funny thing.

Some days you have it, others you don’t remember ever having it.

It’s fickle.

I’ve been wondering lately about the source of confidence. Where does it come from? How can we find it? Once lost, how do we regain it?

As in many other instances in life, I turn to relationship with my kids to give me some insight.

I think of the times we’ve been swimming with them. Confidence and its cause are clearly on display in the pool.

By the end of our swimming sessions, my girls are laughing, splashing, and jumping into my arms from the deep end ledge.

If you were with us at the beginning of our time in the pool you’d see a very different side of my kids.

They’re tentative, unsure, and uncertain of what’s about to happen.

So, besides time, what leads to the major difference in my kids’ attitude and demeanor?

Here’s a hint: This post is about confidence.

Maybe the better question is what causes their confidence to increase?

Here are two reasons my kids experience more confidence as the swimming session goes along:

1.  They believe they can accomplish the things I’m asking them to accomplish, i.e., jumping in, splashing, dunking under the water. They are aware of my belief in them.

2.  My kids begin to experience success and in turn believe in their own ability to accomplish what I’ve asked them to.

The progression is key. First they recognize that dad believes they can do it. Then after some success they begin to realize they can do it on their own.

The same thing is true with us grown up kids. Look at Peter. As far as I know he’s the only other man who has ever walked on water.

When he recognized Jesus he called out to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” (Matthew 14.28)

As a result, Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water. He found confidence in the fact that the authority in his life (Jesus) had confidence in him and it pushed him to act.

Here’s what I’m saying:

You have every reason to be confident today:

• Your dad in heaven is on your side
• He loves you and has a good plan for you
• He believes in your ability to accomplish what He’s called you to do
• You got this! No matter what you’re facing, He is with you
• We are blessed to serve a God who strengthens us to stand confidently

 

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6.10)

You have cause to be confident today. Now it’s time to act on it.