Best Example of Confidence EVER | Qualities of Women Who Trust Jesus Series
“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” —Romans 8:29
I think I’m in the middle of an identity crisis. Like an actual identity crisis. I didn’t realize exactly what was happening, but it makes so much sense now.
Second-guessing my decisions, doubting my abilities, preoccupied with big life questions — these are happening center stage, but what’s going on in the background is that one of my major roles in life is shifting. With this shift has come a spike in insecurities and a slump in self-confidence.
When we read about Jesus’ life, it’s obvious to see a big contrast between our lack of confidence and the strong sense of self Jesus portrays.
Where do we see examples of Jesus’ confidence and how does it impact our lives?
Jesus’ confidence is all over the book of Mark, especially when he refers to himself as “the Son of Man.” This is significant for multiple reasons, but the one I want to highlight is that he’s borrowing the phrase from the Old Testament (Daniel 7), “in which he was claiming a very exalted role in the history of redemption” (Piper, 2008). By consistently referring to himself as the Son of Man, Jesus is displaying a heroic amount of confidence.
The first time we see this is in Mark 2 when a crowd of people were listening to Jesus preach. A group of friends brought a paralyzed man to Jesus, and when Jesus noticed their faith, he told the paralyzed man that his sins were forgiven (right there in front of everyone!). The religious leaders who were present got bent out of shape. Who did this guy think he was… saying this man’s sins were forgiven… only God could do that.
Jesus knew what they were thinking. He knew that they doubted his authority. But their uncertainty didn’t sway him because he knew something else too.
Jesus knew his identity.
He knew who he was, and he knew his purpose.
He didn’t care if he gained their approval, nor did he second-guess the words he had spoken. Instead, with confidence, he spoke directly to the religious leaders, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…”— then he told the paralyzed man to get up, pick up his mat and walk home.
Mic drop.
If this story was the only place we found this level of confidence in Jesus’ words and actions, it would be awe-inspiring. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A few verses later, religious leaders question him again and Jesus doesn’t bat an eye. Instead, he, once again, refers to himself as the Son of Man, and basically tells them that he doesn’t have to follow their Sabbath traditions because he invented the Sabbath (Mark 2:28).
… then in chapter 3 he openly heals a man whose arm was disabled— on the Sabbath no less, which would’ve been breaking the Jewish religious law.
He knew who he was and he knew his purpose.
… then in chapter 4, while his disciples are freaking out in a storm, he literally calls out orders to the wind and the sea, and they immediately obey him.
He knew who he was and he knew his purpose.
… then in chapter 7 he speaks to the religious leaders as though he holds a position of authority over them, calling them out for prioritizing their own traditions over the commands of God. This would have been unheard of. In those days, no one would have stood up to the highly revered religious leaders the way Jesus did.
But he knew who he was and he knew his purpose.
Jesus was not, in the least, intimated by powerful people; he wasn’t intimidated by unfavorable circumstances (like being in a small boat in the middle of a big storm); and he wasn’t intimidated by impossible tasks (like healing broken people). Jesus is the best example of confidence ever.
But he’s not just an example for us to follow in our own strength. He’s also the source that empowers us to live bold, faith-driven, confident lives. Romans 8:29 assures us that God chose us to become like Jesus— we’re being transformed from the inside out to be more like him. More aware of our identity and purpose, and more confident as a result.
Sister, if you’re in a similar position as me, let’s remind each other of what we know to be true:
When our roles in life begin to shift,
when circumstances are unfavorable,
when the tasks ahead seem impossible,
when we doubt our abilities,
second-guess our decisions and
ask big questions about life,
we are not stuck in a crisis of identity. We know who we are as daughters of God, and we know our purpose to love Him and love others. His Spirit will lead us and fill in the details with time. We are becoming more like Jesus everyday, and in his name, we are confident.
REFERENCES + RESOURCES:
Piper, John. “Why Is Jesus Called ‘Son of Man’.” Desiring God, 2008, https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/why-is-jesus-called-son-of-man
This article here has practical advice for anyone struggling with identity issues.
For Your Journal
Find It:
In this portion of your journal, write out a Bible verse. You can find a verse that fits a current life situation or use the one we used in today’s devotion.
“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” —Romans 8:29
Fix It:
In this portion of your journal, pull out a few key words from the verse you chose above, or summarize the verse in your own words. Write it in pretty lettering or sketch something that will help you visualize the meaning of the verse and fix it in your mind. Repeat these words to yourself throughout the week to remind you of the truth contained in the scripture. Here are some options:
Become
Becoming more like Jesus
Becoming confident
Feel It:
In this portion of your journal, write out a prayer. The goal is to absorb the meaning of the Bible passage and let it take root in your heart. Ask the Lord to let his word change you by the power of his Spirit so that you begin to feel like the new person you’re becoming in Christ. Surrender any areas of your life that you are trying to control.
Jesus, you were so secure in your relationship with the Father and in what He sent you to do. You didn’t walk around unsure of yourself, intimated by others, or beat down by self-doubt. Help me to look to you as an example of humble confidence and fill me with your Spirit to become more like you with each passing day. Help me to be a person of quiet assurance, secure in my identity as a child of God and confident in my purpose to love you and love others. Amen.