“It’s about believing in yourself, your God-given ability and your work ethic.” Tim Tibow
Who we are, what we become and what we do come right out of our hearts. At a subconscious or heart level, we irrevocably march toward what our hearts believe about ourselves. It really doesn’t matter much what you think or try to believe with your mind. Successful people in the Kingdom and our culture have a combination of humility and a quiet belief in themselves that naturally propels them to do great things.
As Christians, our traditional gospel message has primarily identified believers as a group of sinners. If I believe I’m a sinner, I’ll probably be one. If I believe I’m a sinner saved by grace, I’ll probably be an occasional sinner needing grace. If I believe I’m carrying God’s favor to do something great in the Kingdom, I’ll probably be more than a conqueror. We need to believe about ourselves what God believes about us to achieve our dreams and destiny. We are precious in His sight.
Mary was “highly favored” (Lu 1:28), Daniel was “highly esteemed” (Dan 9:23) and Joshua was told not to be terrified or discouraged (Josh 1:9). I want to suggest that God has the same attitude toward the rest of us. In order to adopt a belief that you are highly favored and esteemed and able to rise above fear and discouragement, your heart needs a very good reason. Here are seven reasons that I use to convince my own heart. Yours are the same or similar… “Why I believe in myself.”
1. Christ in me – God has a secret weapon in the earth. He dwells in the hearts of his people and works through them. He multiplies our efforts and adds a miraculous ingredient to the things we put our hands to. I believe in myself because I’ve seen too many people touched by God through what I’ve said or written or done.
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col 1:27 NIV
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13-14 NASU
2. His presence goes with us – I’m in the middle of a trial that is very discouraging, yet I can still feel his presence and see the affects of how the Holy Spirit magnifies our words and deeds. Seeing God touch people through us is a great confirmation of his faithfulness to never leave us or forsake us. I believe in myself because of God’s presence in my life. He talks to me. He believes in me.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” …The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut 31:6-8 NIV
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” Ex 33:15-16 NIV
3. Put the Kingdom first – When we put the Kingdom first everything else is added in abundance. I don’t have another agenda that I value more than His. Putting Him first is very simply the surest way to see my own cup overflow. It’s God’s purpose to prosper us and give us abundance as we build the Kingdom. It’s much more fun than building my Kingdom. I believe in myself because I’ve tapped into a purpose much larger than myself – the Kingdom.
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matt 6:32-33 NIV
4. Initiative – There is another secret to living in the Kingdom. God values initiative. People who wait for God to tell them what to do totally miss what He’s already written in their hearts’ desires. I believe in the desires God put in my heart and I’ve given myself permission to act on them. I’m volunteering!
Every place where you set your foot will be yours Deut 11:24 NIV
The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. Deut 28:8 NIV
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isa 6:8 NIV
5. History – This Spring I made a list of the worst things that have happened in my life and how God brought me through every one of them to something much better. Bad things happen to everyone. We are left to decide whether we’re going to focus on the death or the resurrection. I believe in myself because I’ve seen God work good out of every bad situation in my past.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28-29 NIV
6. Warfare – I have a new saying that I apply to every failure or setback: “It’s not about me.” If I’ve made a mistake, it’s easy to make the correction and ask for the forgiveness. But I’ve stopped blaming myself for spiritual warfare. In fact, I count it a privilege to be on the front lines of what God is doing to release Kings. It’s not surprising that we encounter some resistance. I believe in myself because I’ve touched a level in the Kingdom that is so important that it draws enemy resistance. I’m also a son unafraid of his discipline, correction, and pruning because I know He loves me in plenty and in want (Phil 4:12).
They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Acts 5:40-42 NIV
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:12-14 NIV
Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him (Joseph). Ps 105:19 NASU
7. Team – Like everyone, I’m good at some things and not so good at others. I believe in myself because I’ve found the people who balance me and do the things that I can’t do. I’m rejoicing in the victories of my team mates. Helping others to achieve their dreams is a source of great joy.
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Ps 20:4-5 NIV
The next stop is what you say about yourself and the goals you set to make your dream come true.
