Confidence Part 3

Teachable Woman PodcastConfidence – Part 3Hosts: Rev. Michele Owes & Rev. Diana P. CherryIntroductionIn Part 3 of the Confidence series, Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry continue exploring what it means to have true confidence—not in ourselves, but in God. Drawing from Hebrews and 1 John, they remind listeners that biblical confidence is rooted in trusting God's character, obeying His will, and remaining steadfast through every season of life. Whether facing uncertainty, silence from God, or life's unexpected challenges, believers are encouraged to examine their hearts, remain still, and confidently trust that God is always working for their good.1. True Confidence Is Confidence in GodKey Scriptures: Hebrews 3:14; 1 John 5:14God calls believers to hold "the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end."Biblical confidence is centered on God's faithfulness—not personal ability or self-reliance.Self-confidence that excludes God often becomes pride, arrogance, and overconfidence.We can ask confidently according to God's will because He hears us.Key Takeaway:Confidence begins and ends with trusting God rather than trusting ourselves.2. Examine Your Heart When Your Confidence WaversKey Scripture: 1 John 3:19–22When our confidence in God weakens, God has not changed.Our hearts may be condemning us or revealing areas where we have drifted.Instead of blaming God, believers should honestly examine themselves.Confidence grows as we keep God's commandments and seek to please Him.Key Takeaway:If your confidence feels shaky, examine your heart before questioning God's faithfulness.3. Don't Solve Life Without Asking God FirstLife presents challenges we cannot solve through human reasoning alone.It's easy to assume we know how to handle situations without consulting God.God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours.Trying to work everything out ourselves often leads to unnecessary frustration, wasted energy, and disappointment.Key Takeaway:Begin every challenge by asking:"Lord, what do You want me to do?""How do You want me to handle this?"God's solution is always better than our own.4. Confidence Means Trusting God Even When He Is SilentOne of the most encouraging lessons discussed came from notes of a message titled "It's a Good Thing."The message taught that it is:Good when life is pleasant.Good when life is difficult.Good during unpleasant seasons.Even good when God seems silent.When God is silent:He still sees.He still hears.He is still working.Our responsibility is to:Be still.Be patient.Be hopeful.Key Takeaway:God's silence never means God's absence.5. Encourage Yourself While You WaitWaiting is often the hardest part of faith.Like David, believers must sometimes encourage themselves in the Lord by reminding themselves:God has never failed.God has never forsaken us.God is working everything together for our good.His track record is perfect.He will move at the right time.Sometimes faith requires preaching God's promises back to yourself until your heart rests in Him.Key Takeaway:Confidence often grows through speaking God's truth to yourself while waiting.6. Trust God in Every Season of LifeThe hosts reflected on their own experiences as widows and ministers.Regardless of whether someone is:MarriedSingleWidowedDivorcedEmployedUnemployedSuccessfulFacing hardshipEveryone still needs God.Challenges come in every stage of life, and every obstacle prepares believers for the next season of growth.The hosts also cautioned that prosperity can become just as dangerous as hardship if it causes us to forget God.Key Takeaway:Our circumstances should never determine our confidence—our confidence must always remain in God.7. Pray for God's Will Above Your OwnReturning to 1 John 5:14, the hosts c