Now look! You are trusting in the staff of this broken reed, Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh King of Egypt to all who trust in him. 2 Kings 18:21
The American painter, John Sargent, once painted a panel of roses that was highly praised by critics.
It was a small picture, but it approached perfection. Although offered a high price for it on many occasions, Sargent refused to sell it.
He considered it his best work and was very proud of it.
Whenever he was deeply discouraged and doubtful of his abilities as an artist, he would look at it and remind himself, "I painted that." Then his confidence and ability would come back to him.
Whenever he was deeply discouraged and doubtful of his abilities as an artist, he would look at it and remind himself, "I painted that." Then his confidence and ability would come back to him.
This painter's confidence was in his own painting. However, as children of God our confidence is not in what we have done but in what Christ has done.
When we have no confidence in ourselves, we can look back to Calvary's cross and the empty tomb of Joseph of Arimathea and proclaim, 'His victory is my victory'.
Christ died on the cross for our sins and delivered us from the dominion of darkness. He brought us into the Kingdom of Light and made us children and heirs of God.
He has given us His Spirit and power to live a victorious life. And He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. That is our source of confidence.
When our reliance on God is steady, we will respond to difficulties by seeking Him for guidance and strength.
In turn, we will experience the Holy Spirit's presence, provision, and power and, as a result, victory in every circumstance.
Prayer: Lord, you are my strength, and my confidence is in you alone.
Scriptural Reading: 2 Kings 18:17-25
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