Comparison vs. Confidence Part III with Crystal Lewis {Be Loved with Kristin}
by: Crystal Lewis
1. believe
do you believe God is who he says he is or not?! in Hebrews 11 the Bible says that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. and it says that without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must BELIEVE that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. we have no chance of survival unless we first BELIEVE
2. resist
James 4:7 says ‘resist the devil and he will flee from you’. he has undoubtedly used little bits of truth as bait to lead you into a lonely place, a depressed place, an inadequate place, a fearful place… i know i’ve followed those crumbs before and i’ve found myself in darkness and tears. all because i veered from the path of truth into the woods of lies. Philippians 4:8 says ‘fix your thoughts on whatever is true…’. don’t let the half-truths blind you. pull away and again i say stop giving him ground. quit letting him win. you have the power of the Holy Spirit…HE is bigger. HE is stronger. RESIST, hold your ground.
3. read and pray
‘the Word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword’ (Hebrews 4:12) it is our most effective weapon. Ephesians 6 talks about the armor of God. every piece of armor mentioned is for our protection…except the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. THAT is meant for defense, for fighting back! for doing damage!! read it, learn it, memorize it, use it. hide it in your heart so that when the enemy attacks you can swing that sucker and strike!
and pray. also in Ephesians 6 Paul says…’ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.’ James 5:16 says..’The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.’
2 :: c o n f i d e n c e
where comparison (conceit and jealousy) tears you down, confidence builds you up
where comparison fills you with fear, confidence gives you courage
where comparison makes you feel inadequate, confidence makes you feel capable
when you are your true God-made, special, unique self…there is NO competition. Jeremiah 1 says that God knew you before he formed you in your mothers womb. and in Isaiah 43 He says ‘…But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says,“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. the difference between conceited and confident is the fact that when you’re conceited you’re full of yourself, proud, self-absorbed, and have a quite favorable opinion of your own abilities. when you’re confident you’re full of the Spirit, aware of and dependent on Christ’s power and enablement, secure in HIS love.
{homework}
look up and write down a handful of verses that speak directly to your weaknesses. for instance, i’ve struggled with fear most of my life…which the enemy continues to love to use to get me to feel inadequate for my job… so i memorized 2 timothy 1:7…for God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
