Some days, we wake up ready to take on the world. Other days? We’re just hoping no one asks us a hard question before we’ve had our coffee. But real confidence isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing Who’s got your back.
Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT) – “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.”
Confidence isn’t arrogance or perfection—it’s trusting that God made you on purpose, for a purpose.
Do you remember a time when you walked into a room feeling completely unqualified? Every part of who we are can think, ‘What are you doing here?!’ But then, once we take a moment, we are able to remember… God put me here. And if He put me here, He’s got a plan for me.
So today, let’s talk about walking boldly in who God made you to be, even when you don’t feel like it.
Let’s talk about What Confidence Is – and What It’s Not.
Like, is it confidence or is it arrogance? These can be confusing. Confidence is a genuine belief in yourself, while arrogance is an inflated sense of self-importance.
Confidence comes from knowing Who’s guiding you, not from having it all figured out. Arrogance says, “I’ve got this.” Confidence says, “God’s got this.”
Have you ever given someone directions with confidence only to realize they were totally wrong? Oops. Confidence isn’t about acting like you know everything! It’s about really knowing it and letting it show naturally.
Start your day by reminding yourself: “God has equipped me for today.” Just the other day, I thought, “I am not qualified for this.” And I felt like there was an immediate response of, “You are not, but I am qualifying you.” Whoa. Okay, God.
Often, we can mistake confidence for arrogance. I know when I’m feeling confident, I can be a bit snotty, but I also misjudge others and how they are carrying themselves as well.
When thinking about the difference between these two, how does that affect you and how you carry yourself?
Have you ever heard, “If you think confidently, then you will be confident”? The way we think affects the way we carry ourselves. Replace self-doubt with truth— “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
What we need is to look at a toddler. They just do not care; they just live their best lives. I mean, have you ever seen a toddler wearing a superhero cape at the grocery store? That’s the kind of confidence we need!
When self-doubt creeps in, stop and replace it with a truth about yourself.
What’s one negative thought you need to replace today with some truth and confidence from the Lord?
Many times, in movies and TV shows, I have heard the phrase, “Walk into the room like you own it and like you belong.”
Great advice, but with that, we need to be careful about how we are coming across. So next time you feel nervous, start by adjusting your posture and taking a deep breath.
We want to be seen as confident but also as humble. So, let’s be aware that confidence isn’t just about what you say; it’s in how you carry yourself. Let’s make sure we are shining the light of the Lord.
When was the last time you noticed someone’s confidence just by the way they carried themselves?
Confidence isn’t just something we think about; it’s something we live out. And sometimes, that means stepping out when we feel anything but ready. This means having confidence in action and taking the first step, and that is what we are going to talk about.
The most successful people aren’t fearless; they just don’t let fear stop them.
Confidence isn’t about never being afraid—it’s about moving forward anyway.
Ever tried a new workout class, only to realize five minutes in that you have no idea what you’re doing? Yeah… I have done this. I took a step workout class—you know, the one where there’s a step, and you have to step to the beat and try to follow the instructor who could do the routine in their sleep. Those first few classes were bad. I looked like I couldn’t even follow basic instructions. But after a few classes, I had it down. Confidence grew over time, and that is what confidence means—showing up anyway, even if you mess up at first.
What’s something you’ve been afraid to try? I encourage you to say yes to something outside your comfort zone this week.
Everyone messes up—confidence is about bouncing back, not avoiding failure.
Some of the greatest success stories started with failure.
Some girls in our youth group were watching others play the game we had for the night, and they sat at our table, confident they could do a great job and dominate the game. It came their turn, and they got up there and tried and tried, but they failed. They had a great time and laughed all the way through.
God doesn’t expect perfection—just faithfulness. He just wants you to be obedient and put your confidence in Him.
Our main scripture for today is Jeremiah 17:7, which says, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.”
Instead of fearing failure, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?” These girls learned that night that sometimes things look easier from the sidelines, but once you are in there, it’s different.
What’s one time you thought you failed, but it actually helped you grow?
Have you ever felt unqualified? At work? As a parent? Speaking in front of others? Starting a new ministry? Chances are, we have all secretly fought feelings of inadequacy, fearing we will fall short and lack the ability to do what we need to do. At one time or another, we’ve probably wondered whether we really measure up. If you’re anything like me, you’re pretty hard on yourself. My shortcomings and failures are constantly rattling around in my head. I know my identity is to come from Christ and Him alone, but wow—it’s so much easier said than done sometimes, isn’t it?
God calls us to things that stretch us—not because we’re perfect, but because He is.
Write down a time God came through for you when you didn’t feel confident.
Think of right now—where in your life do you need to trust God’s plan more?
Confidence is a daily choice. And the best part? The more we step out in faith, the stronger our confidence grows.
When we surround ourselves with confidence builders—those who are encouraging and helpful—we can do more because we feel like we can.
Who you surround yourself with impacts your confidence. Are your friends encouraging you or feeding your doubts?
Who in your life helps you feel more confident?
So, there is having confidence in God vs. having confidence in yourself.
Self-confidence is good, but God-confidence is better.
When we trust in God, we don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone. This is so true. Once we shift our mindset from “I can do this” to “God will help me through this,” we see things differently because we know that with God, it is possible. When we try on our own, doubt can hit hard. But with our trust and confidence in the Lord, we see and know that God will do it.
God’s plan for you is bigger than your doubts. Let’s rely on God to help us through all the moments of our lives and not rely on our own strength.
Where have you been relying too much on yourself instead of trusting God?
Let’s hold on to this thought, Confidence isn’t just for “some” people—God created YOU with a purpose. Stop shrinking back—step into the calling He has for you.
Walk in confidence today—not because of who you are, but because of Who’s with you.
Every morning, remind yourself: “God made me for a reason. I have purpose today.”
Let’s carry this scripture with us: 2 Corinthians 12:9—“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’”
Confidence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting the One who does. Whether you’re stepping into a new challenge, facing a tough conversation, or just trying to make it through the day—God’s got you. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing.
Remember our scripture for today is Jeremiah 17:7 and it says, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.”
So, as you head into today, remember this: You were created on purpose, for a purpose. Walk boldly in that truth. And when doubt creeps in, just say, “God’s got this!”