Isaiah 26:3You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
It’s finally here! Part 3 to being a confident Christian woman! In case you missed them, here are part 1 and part 2 that lead up to this one. Be sure to go check those out! (Like, Share, and COMMENT with any questions or feedback. I’ll do my best to respond to everyone!)
We know by now, that confidence (in the Christian’s eyes) is not what I can do–by ability or sheer will, but it is believing in what God can do through me. That kind of confidence doesn’t happen by accident, but with daily intentional action. Action that starts in prayer, is rooted in purpose, and brings peace.
Peace. Let’s pick that word apart a little bit. After all, I am a mother of two girls. Is peace ever really possible? Or am I destined to live in a constant state of worry… because… MOTHERHOOD?
Yahoo defines Peace as: “freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility. Synonyms:
That sounds quite lovely, doesn’t it? A life rid of worry, filled with quiet and calm; free.
You know, it is possible to have that life, but maybe not in the way you’re thinking. Let’s dive into the Word, and how this beautiful picture of peace can be OURS and bring us to a steadfast confidence.
First, we must be HUMBLE. True humility brings peace—recognizing what and who I’m NOT, and always elevating who God is.
Do I know the heart and thoughts of others? Nope.
Do I cause the sun & moon to rise at the right times? Nope.
Do I see the pain and suffering of every grumpy stranger I encounter who may rub me the wrong way? Absolutely not.
Who does? Our Creator, Father, Healer, Comforter, and Almighty God. (Matthew 5:45, Psalm 139:23-24, Job 38:12)
When I come to grips with my inadequacies and limitations, I can FULLY surrender worry and doubt over to my MORE THAN CAPABLE Father. Freeing me of all those unrealistic desires to be in control of the things of which I have NO control.
Remaining focused & disciplined with purpose will bring me peace. (Hebrews 12:10-11, 2 Tim. 1:6-9) Do you ever feel overwhelmed and downright directionless? Like you have 100 things to do at any given MINUTE and you just can’t choose where to start?
I have, and usually that feeling paralyzes me in inaction, laziness, or defeat.
Good news, though! There is hope. For me, a big part of that feeling has been eased through proper nutritional/bacterial balance in my body with natural supplementation (because often your body IS out a whack and in need of some help to function its best). Most of that stress is relieved, however, when I remember my purpose–and focus my discipline there.
Bad habits are HARD to break. Starting the day on Facebook vs in God’s Word, is a BAD habit. It takes intentional effort & discipline to give God the first fruits of my day. Honestly, excuses and justifications often want my firsts in the morning.
“I’m not awake enough to study God’s Word.”
“I know I’ll read it later during Bible class, I can just do it then.”
“I’ll study with the kids later.”
“I really need sleep. God wants me to sleep–He made me that way.”
And on and on it goes…. all to avoid doing what HE has called me to, instead of what I want to do. Why do I not want to start my day in the Bible? Frankly, laziness. I want to be able to mindlessly scroll through pictures and see what my friends have to say because it doesn’t require anything from me. I don’t want to have to DO anything.
But that attitude illuminates another problem within me, doesn’t it? Choosing laziness over godliness is NOT going to bring me peace. However, remaining focused & disciplined with purpose, will.
Relying on God’s strength will bring me peace. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
“I just can’t. I’m too weak. I’m not a leader. I’m not anything. What if I fail? I will fail. I’ll be humiliated. What if I lose my friends? This life is too hard….”
ATTN: these are all thoughts you’ve allowed in your mind from the ENEMY.
STOP IT!
Revisit the above point, and get your mind in the WORDS of GOD.
He says, “Whoever loves father/mother/child more than me is not worthy of me. Do not fear! My grace is sufficient for you. In this world you WILL have trouble, BUT take heart! I have overcome the world. Do not worry, do not be anxious. ” (Matt. 10:37, Isaiah 41:10, John 16:33, Matt. 6:34, Phil. 4:6)
Listen. The kind of trust required here is not EASY, but it is absolutely necessary to have the peace we are seeking.
Phil. 4:13 is a verse often taken out of context. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” What Paul is really referring to here, is contentment.
Do you feel like you have nothing? You can handle it when you rely on Christ.
Do you have more than you know what to do with? You can handle it when you rely on Christ.
That is the key; relying on God’s strength so you may go forward in His will. That, my friends, will bring you peace.
Being a Confident Christian Woman doesn’t happen by accident– it takes discipline and intentional focus. It takes a purposeful mindset and determination to seek Him above all else. It takes constant prayer, an understanding of purpose, and a peace the surpasses all understanding. And sweet sisters, it is ours for the taking. 🙂
“Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved...
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
~Philippians 4:1, 4-9
Radiant Mission 