Faith Is Confidence

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  
Hebrews 11:1 NIV  

You’ve got your friends, you’ve got your besties, but then you have your family friends. These people are basically friends on steroids—you grow up with them, you vacation with them, you walk through hard things with them, you even share a sense of humor with them. That’s how it is with Taylor—our families are basically related (even though we’re not), so quite frankly, she’s just another sister to me. And coming from the most unbiased place as I possibly can, Taylor is special. If anyone exudes confidence, it’s her. Not only has she always been so beautiful, accomplished, and well-liked, Taylor’s entire character is immersed in her faith in Jesus. So, when she chose to name her firstborn daughter Faith, it made perfect sense!  

Here’s a fun fact about the word faith—you might not know this, but faith is the equivalent to confidence. The dictionary defines faith as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something,” and confidence is defined as “the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.” The two words are a lot like family friends— basically related, even though they’re not.  

If we want to walk with a confidence that changes everything, it starts with faith. However, not just any faith. For example, I have faith that my house won’t collapse—but a tornado can change that. I have faith that my car will start—but a dead battery can change that. I have faith that my husband loves me—but me developing a severe case of halitosis can change that (I’m joking, guys. . .I think). 

Faith allows us to place our confidence in things unseen. But most of the time, these things can be temporary, conditional, or unreliable. The wonderful thing about Jesus, though, is He is eternal. His love is unconditional. His goodness is never-changing. Therefore, if we want to shine bright in this topsy-turvy life, it all starts with faith in Jesus.  

God is closer, and more reliable, than any family friend. What an honor to be loved, chosen, and called as His own! 

God, my confidence begins and ends with You. I believe in You, even though I cannot see You. I’m confident that You will always love me no matter what. 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!