Choices, Choices

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  
Romans 8:31 ESV  

I once decided to put wallpaper in my bathroom. We knew a full remodel was impending anyway, so the idea of sassing it up with some fun wallpaper was exciting. I ordered a bunch of swatches, probably twenty-five different styles, and impatiently awaited their arrival. Finally, the day came—I ripped open the package and dumped every swatch onto my living room floor. I thought I’d be able to quickly narrow it down, but that simply wasn’t the case. The more options I saw, the more undecided I felt, and the more I toiled over the possibilities, the more I started to question if I wanted wallpaper at all. Even though I almost called it quits, I finally picked a pattern that worked. Now that bathroom is my favorite part of the house!  

Despite what you may have been told, walking in confidence is a choice. It’s not something you’re born with, it’s something you learn. In life, we are presented with all kinds of choices, and these choices can be hard, exciting, unpredictable, fun. But each time we are presented with a choice, we also have to decide how we will approach it.  

According to Dr. David L. Cook, a famous sports psychologist, our thoughts determine the outcome of every choice or opportunity. In life or in performance, we are presented with six mental thoughts:  

  1. I won’t. Hard stop. It’s not happening, so I’m not trying.  

  1. I can’t. Whether it’s true or not, I’m telling myself it’s not possible.  

  1. I’d like to. It would be great, but I’m not sure if I want to put in the effort.  

  1. I’ll try. I’ll put in some effort, but disappointments may ruin the outcome.  

  1. I can. I am capable of this, but let’s just hope I stay driven enough.  

  1. I will. No matter what, it’s happening.  

When we mentally choose the “I will” approach, we embrace the entire journey—the hard stuff (pressure, practice, perseverance) and the victory that awaits at the finish line. Confidence is a choice—a choice that says, “I can and I will do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”  

God, give me an “I will” kind of confidence. No more excuses—with You, all things are possible! Amen. 

 

This is an excerpt from A Confidence That Changes Everything: Devotions to Shine Bright in This Topsy-Turvy Life, the new book by Hannah Crews!