CONFIDENCE in God
Definition: Positive of God’s love, power, and sovereignty, and lives life accordingly.
Synonyms: Assurance, Certainty, Sureness
DAY 1
Hannah
1 Samuel Chapter 1 and Chapter 2:11 and 18—21 & 26
Elkanah was married to Hannah and Peninnah. After making the required sacrifice during an annual trip to Shiloh; Peninnah taunted Hannah because Elkanah gave her a larger share of meat for her children. Despondent, Hannah prayed fervently, pleading for a son and promising to give the child to the Lord.
Her prayer answered, Hannah gave birth to Samuel, and eventually five other children. Elkanah had his doubts about Hannah’s ability to keep the promise. When she told her husband she would wait until her son was weaned to go to Shiloh, Elkanah answered: “…Stay here for now, and may the LORD help you keep your promise”(1 Samuel 1: 23a NLT).
But Hannah had confidence in God, knowing He would care for her son. When the child was of age she left Samuel at the Tabernacle to serve as the priest’s assistant. Every year she took a coat to Samuel. I am sure she enjoyed these visits, but it must have been difficult to return home without her son.
Her confidence in God was not misplaced. The Bible tells us Samuel grew in favor with the LORD and the people.
Thought or Action Step for the Day: Confidence in God’s care.
DAY 2
SHUNAMMITE WOMAN
2 Kings 4: 8-37 and 8:1-6
She was wealthy and prominent in her community. She probably heard of Elijah and knew that Elisha was his successor. Because of her confidence in God, she was receptive to learning from and trusting a man of God.
One day she asked Elisha to stop by her house for refreshment. He must have felt welcomed and relaxed for the Bible tells us he stopped often after that first visit. She even had a room built for him as a place of respite.
When her son died her confidence in the Almighty was evident. She immediately went to Elisha and insisted that this man of God, and not an envoy, come to her aid. She was right, for it was Elisha and not the servant who brought life back into her son’s body.
Her confidence in God also shined through when she left her wealth and lived with the Philistines per Elisha’s instructions. She was rewarded for she retrieved her property upon her return years later.
Although we don’t hear about her much, this woman’s confidence in God was admirable. It allowed her to witness many examples of God’s power in her life.
Thought or Action Step for the Day: Confidence in God’s power.
DAY 3
Elizabeth
Luke 1: 5—25, 39—45, 56—66 & 80
Elizabeth’s life exemplified confidence in God. When she became pregnant in her old age, she embraced the good news. Unlike her husband, she didn’t doubt God, or in any way indicate that she was afraid of the future; instead she praised God for the blessing.
The most admirable quality of Elizabeth was her humble spirit. When she greeted Mary, she acknowledged that her cousin was pregnant with the Messiah. She was not jealous of Mary’s status; instead she was honored that Mary visited.
“God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me” (Luke 1: 42b, 43)?
Only a woman with confidence in God could have such discernment and grace.
When the baby was born her confidence in God led her to name the boy John, despite her family and friends trying to convince her otherwise. They even tried to override her decision by asking her husband, who was mute at the time!
Thought or Action Step for the Day: Confidence in God’s timing.
DAY 4
Anna
Luke 2: 36—38
There are only three verses about Anna, but with just this little bit of information it is easy to recognize that she is a woman with confidence in God.
Widowed at a young age she spent her life in service to God living at the Temple. Worldly things did not interest her. She never sought another husband or lived a life a discouragement because she never knew motherhood; instead she embraced the things of God. She spent her days worshipping, fasting, and praying.
You sense she was keeping watch for the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies; never losing hope because of her confidence in the promises of God. As a prophetess, she was sensitive to God’s message, and this was the most profound, important announcement of all.
Notice she didn’t stop and talk to the couple or even take a minute to admire the baby. It was if she was unable to contain herself, she lifted her voice in praise immediately. God was delivering on His promise of a Messiah!
The Bible tells us she also proclaimed the Good News to everyone who waited expectantly for this great day. She wanted everyone to know that the most important prophecy of all was fulfilled.
Thought or Action Step for the Day: Confidence in God’s promises.
Day 5 – Weekend Reflections
We acquire confidence in leaders who keep their promises, work for our good, care about the important issues, and accomplish their goals. This type of behavior instills confidence and we follow these leaders in hopes of a better life, government, or society.
Shouldn’t it be the same with God? Certainly He keeps His promises, works for our good, and cares for us. Yet we are often reluctant to follow his direction. We don’t want to do what he asks. We don’t have confidence in God. Why?
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 32:17 that the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
Are we living the righteous life that leads to confidence? The four women we studied this week were righteous. Hannah prayed, surely the Shunammite woman learned from Elisha, Elizabeth obeyed, and Anna broke into praise upon seeing Jesus. These are all attributes and disciplines of righteous living.
Study these women in more depth and use their lives as examples to help you live a more righteous life and put your confidence in God alone.
