2 Timothy: Endure, Encourage, EquipMfano

Constructing a confident faith Where is confidence derived from? What is the source of that mysterious feeling you get when you believe something is going to turn out a certain way? Confidence itself defies the parameters of our tumultuous world—it pushes against the fear, confusion, and anxiety that run rampant in our brains from day to day. And while it doesn’t completely discount the uncertainty or confusion, it lessens their impact, like a pillow that dampens the fall of a heavy object. Confidence involves trust, hope, faith, and much more, which also means it can often be elusive and difficult to find—especially when you need it most. It can be hard to manufacture confidence. But the good news is, you don’t have to. The very reason we can be confident lies in this fact: “He has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything we have done but because of His purpose and grace ” (2 Timothy 1:9). You are rescued, redeemed, and cherished because you are His child. Because of what Jesus has done, because He has rescued you because He is redeeming the world one soul at a time, you can be confident. In the first chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul talks about what it means to be brave and bold when it comes to your faith. 2 Timothy 1:7 reads, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” We have a spirit—the Spirit—inside us who can embolden our hearts and be the source of what we need to keep going. But the real crux of confidence lies in trust. Do you trust in God’s grace, mercy, and love? Would you be willing to endure suffering because you know that God is faithful to provide for you? It’s okay if those questions make you feel uneasy. Trust takes time to cultivate, and, like the slow growth of a tree, you might not notice how much it’s grown until you’re looking up at branches bursting with leaves. 1. What do you think it means to be confident? 2. How does confidence play into your life and faith? 3. Why is it important that we have the Spirit in us? Have there been any times you’ve felt the Spirit’s presence or direction in your life?