John 11:21-22 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
There are three levels of confidence. The lowest level is ‘shaky confidence’ which is very unstable. Such people are confident about their expected end when everything looks flowery and florid. When everything looks conducive, confidence is at its peak. The smallest change to normal life, a slight deviation to the plan, a shut door, bad report or even change of weather could shake their confidence in God. Their confidence in the hand of God leading them will shudder when things don’t go their way.
The next level of confidence is ‘steady confidence’. Such people know to swim against strong waves and squalling winds. They engage in spiritual warfare, fast and pray to overcome any debilitating crisis. They know how to use the spiritual weapons to overcome the intruders.
The third level of confidence is ‘steadfast confidence”. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever (Psalm 125:1). They stand tall and tenacious even when they cannot see God as they trust the Lord beyond what they see. They know that they are not alone. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore (Psalm 125:2). They can see through their eyes of faith at the invincible angelic hosts of the Lord surrounding them when they are under a fierce spiritual battle.
Godly-confidence is steadfast:
1. Shaky: The confidence of Martha was shaky. She said, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died”. Her confidence jaded away as the Lord Jesus delayed and it died when at her brother’s demise. In her first encounter with Jesus after her brother’s funeral she accused Jesus for being late! Anytime we hear people blaming others or God for their problems, their confidence in the Lord is shaky.
2. Steady: An encounter with Jesus will replace shaky confidence with steady faith. Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). Jesus gave her a rhema word of assurance. The antidote to doubt is God’s Word. The promises of God will remove disbelief and replace it with faith.
3. Steadfast: Steadfast confidence thrives beyond worldly confirmations and signs. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8). The one with the steadfast confidence will not be influenced by the reports from WHO (World Health Organization) or the Reserve Bank interest rates. They will flourish even in famine.
Steadfast confidence is not intimidated by adverse forecasts or predictions as their confidence is in the omnipotence of the Lord.
Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
Prayer: Father God, You are the source of all health, wealth and favour. As I have my eyes fixed on you I will not shudder and shake but will remain steadfast. Amen
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