the power to start over...

so if fatigue, failure and fear rob us of confidence then what restores it?

for one GOD's presence gives me the power to start over.

look at what changed the disciples. john 20.20 (niv), JESUS came and stood among them and … the disciples were overjoyed when they saw the LORD.

acts 4.13 (lb), when the council saw the boldness of peter and john and could see that they were ordinary men they were amazed and realized what being with JESUS had done for them.

these guys weren't phd's. they were just common, ordinary people. but they were bold. before the resurrection, they are cowering in fear in a room with the doors locked. now they're back out on the streets a few days later taking on the enemy, the opposition. what happened?

they had been with JESUS. not merely knowing HE's alive, but being with HIM, having a relationship.

are you aware that GOD is always with you? you lose your fear when GOD is near. HE's with you. GOD says, I'm always with you. JESUS said, low, I am always with you... i will never leave you nor forsake you.

that gives you confidence to start over. you can say, “LORD, i know YOU're with me. help me handle this.”

proverbs 14.26 (tev), reverence for the LORD gives confidence.

the secret of confidence. i think it's basically a SPIRITual problem. there's a lot of phony, baloney advice out there on how to build your confidence. it doesn't work. building confidence is a SPIRITual problem. GOD's presence encourages us to try again. the secret of confidence is to get in tune with GOD everyday.

just a thought from the front porch…