Kelly lived in an abusive marriage and had for thirteen years. She wanted out but didn’t know how and was afraid of what might happen if she left. Her husband threatened to kill her if she did. She never loved him; he was only an avenue to leave home. His true colors appeared quickly, and a life of misery followed. Kelly wore a smile but was miserable inside.
Her outlook changed when an acquaintance began building her confidence that she could escape her living hell. When her husband left for work one morning, she packed her bags and never looked back. Leaving everything was a small price to pay for freedom from emotional and physical abuse. After her divorce, Kelly found a man who loved her and treated her with the respect she deserved. It took a while, but he finally helped her build confidence in herself. God could use her, and she was worthy of love.
Paul expressed the same confidence in Timothy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also (II Timothy 1:5).
Timothy’s mother and grandmother communicated their confident faith to Timothy. He accepted it, and Paul helped him grow it stronger. The world is filled with people who’ve been kicked around, beat up by life, abused, forgotten and emotionally crushed.
Believers carry the message they need to help restore and build their confidence: God loves everyone-always has and always will. Nothing in our past prevents him from using us in the present. Whose confidence can you help restore?
Prayer: Merciful Father, help us be confidence builders instead of confidence destroyers.
This is very encouraging! I can think of a few people that I would like to love on and help build confidence in. Great thoughts.
ReplyDeleteCarly @ ryandcar.blogspot.com