Hey there, and Happy New year. Every New year I think about the past year with its challenges and wins, and pray about how God wants to change me. Then I choose one word to focus on. This year the Word is Confident. As a working wife and mother I’ve spent the better part of my life being the one who makes things happen. For decades, I operated under the assumption that my value was tied to my output and my ability to navigate the world as a "fixer". But lately, in this season of life, I’ve been thinking differently.
I’m realizing that for a long time, my confidence was fragile because it was based on me. I’m shifting now from self-reliance to Jesus-reliance. I know that I am not changing on my own; when I take a moment to look back at the map of my life, I can see the fingerprints of God changing me through the blood sweat and tears, into the person I am today. I see how much He has already transformed my heart and my perspective. Yet, I am still missing that heart-deep confidence to stand in every situation. So I am praying that no matter how new or intimidating—I want to live without the nagging fear of what others think or the crushing worry that I am simply "not enough."
I want to know, in my bones, that I am worthy to participate in life, capable of getting the job done whatever it may be, and that I truly belong exactly where I am. Here is how I’m finding that new strength, courage, and wisdom.
Trading My Exhaustion for His Power.
What I know about Jesus: I know that He doesn’t run out of energy even when I do. Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness.
What I’m learning about myself: I’m learning that I don't have to keep up the "strong woman" act to be capable. I’ve spent years trying to prove I can handle it all, but I’m realizing that my "not-enoughness" isn't a failure—it’s an invitation to let Him lead. I see how He’s strengthened me in the past, and I’m trusting Him for the strength to stop caring if the world thinks I’m "enough."
My hope for transformation: I want my confidence to rest entirely on the fact that I am a daughter of the King. I’m trading my "white-knuckle" effort for His effortless strength, knowing that He makes me capable of whatever task is in front of me today.
Walking Boldly into Every Room
What I know about Jesus: I know that He is the Lion of Judah. He tells us in Joshua 1:9 to be strong and courageous because the Lord our God is with us wherever we go.
What I’m learning about myself: I’m realizing how often I let "imposter syndrome" or the opinions of others dictate my peace. I’ve spent too much time wondering if I really belong in the rooms I walk into. But looking back at how He literally changed me into who I am today, I have no doubt that I belong exactly where He has placed me right now.
My hope for transformation: I hope to live with a "holy grit" that doesn't depend on external validation. I’m praying for the courage to stand tall in any situation, completely free from the worry of whether I measure up to what the world says I should be.
Listening for His Voice Above the Noise
What I know about Jesus: He is the source of all truth and the one who defines my worth. James 1:5 promises that if we lack wisdom, we can ask Him, and He gives it generously.
What I’m learning about myself: I’m learning that I often try to "logic" my way into feeling worthy. I over-analyze every social interaction and every task. Now, I’m learning to quiet the noise of "what people might say" and just ask, "Lord, what do You say about me?"
My hope for transformation: I want to be a woman with a settled spirit who knows she is enough. I’m trading my "over-thinking" for His "all-knowing" peace. I am trusting that the same God who has changed me so much already will continue to refine me until I am fully confident that I am worthy to participate in everything He has for me.
He Can Do It for You, Too
If you can relate to that feeling of being tired of trying to prove you’re "enough," or if you feel like you're just watching life from the sidelines because you're afraid you don't belong, I want to encourage you: If Jesus can change me, He can change you, too. He isn't looking for a polished version of you. He just wants you. When you look back and see how His fingerprints have already shaped your life, you’ll realize that you don't have to be enough on your own, because He always has been. He can do the exact same work in your heart that He is doing in mine.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your overwhelming love that never lets me go, even when I doubt my own value. I am so grateful for Your goodness that follows me, Your grace that covers my insecurities, and Your mercy that is new every single morning. Thank You for being the source of my strength, the reason for my courage, and the giver of all wisdom. I surrender my need for the world’s approval and choose to find my confidence, my worth, and my sense of belonging in You alone. Amen
Written by:Angie McMillen