Self Confidence?
Recently, I was listening to a racehorse trainer talk. The way he described the training process, considering each horse's unique traits, kept me thinking about God and how he is such a wonderful teacher. The trainer highlighted confidence as being critical to the success of this process. His goal in training was to put the horse in situations where they could learn and become confident. He talked about the horse’s mind and how they needed to open and willing to learn. Then he described his method of positioning the horses to maximize their learning potential. He wanted them to learn how to do it correctly and become confident in what they were being taught. He has to change his training techniques for each horse, adjusting the amount of time spent on specific things depending on their learning pace. Even if a horse takes longer to learn, it doesn't mean it can't become a fantastic racehorse; it just requires a different approach to bring out its best. Some horses were quick studies, others needed more time, and some needed a refresher. Regardless of the process training, ultimately each horse would need to run its own race when the gate opened. He wanted them to be confident trusting what they had been taught.
As I thought about this and reflected on my own life we are often told “be confident” have “self -confidence. Is self-confidence - Independent of God? Sometimes each of us likely lacks the self-confidence but the good news our confidence comes because we know the greater one is within us.
In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence(Ephesians 3:12).
We trained and prepared by reading his word and knowing what he says about us. We can be confidence in knowing and believing that we are a child of the most -high God, we are confident that God will provide all of our needs. Hebrews 4:16 says Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need .
With God's word as our guide and his presence as our strength, we can confidently run the race of life, going where he leads.
I recognize God's guidance as a teacher, as he knows my mind and places me in situations designed for my growth and learning. His patience is incredible, as I learn some things fast but others take time. No matter what, he's such a kind and caring father that he'll never abandon us, always by our side. Instead of focusing on your limitations, focus on the one who lives in you, lacking nothing, as you step out confidently.
Run your Race
