For many years, I thought confidence was something you had to build.
I assumed that if I worked harder, prayed more, or got things 'right', confidence would eventually follow.
That one day I’d wake up braver, clearer, and more sure of myself.
What I didn’t realise then was this:
Confidence doesn’t come first...knowing who you are does.
For a long time, I stayed in the background. I supported others, kept quiet, and genuinely believed that was where I was meant to be. Part of that came from things I’d picked up growing up – the quiet belief that I didn’t have much to say.
So I stayed silent.
And when opportunities came, I hesitated.
Not because I didn’t care.
But because, deep down, I wasn’t sure who I was allowed to be.
Everything began to change when I started to understand who I was in Christ. Not in a dramatic overnight way – but slowly, as truth replaced old assumptions.
I realised I wasn’t meant to perform for confidence.
I was meant to live from knowing who I am.
Verse of the Week
"As He is, so are we in this world."
— 1 John 4:17
That verse stopped me in my tracks the first time it really hit home.
Not as He was.
Not as He will be.
But as He is – so are we...right now...in this world.
That’s not pressure.
That’s permission.
When who you are is settled, confidence doesn’t need to shout.
Decisions don’t feel so loaded.
And you no longer need someone else to be your substitute Holy Spirit.
You’re able to stand more steadily – not because you suddenly feel fearless, but because you’re no longer trying to work out who you are.
Over the coming days, notice the moments when you hesitate – not the big ones, but the ordinary ones.
A conversation you avoid.
A thought you second-guess.
A step you delay.
Instead of pushing yourself to be braver, pause and ask this instead:
Lord, remind me who You say I am right now.
Then take your next step from that place.
Until next week,
Have a blessed day and keep shining! ✨
Cheryl
