God-Confidence
The storm got closer and I got closer to the storm, and even though there were those reckless ones who came flying past me that I spoke of yesterday, there was another type of danger on the road, and that was people who were not confident.
I encountered a few cars where the driver seemed to be so paralyzed with fear by this wind and the dark clouds that they almost showed to a stop and on the highway you can't do that. That's very dangerous, especially when you're driving in the middle lane. And again, maybe this is a uniquely South African problem, I'm not sure.
Finding Balance Between Fear and Faith
You need to be confident on your road. Whatever road God has put you on, confidence is important. Anyone learning to drive knows this - until you're confident, you're not really fit to be on the road.
And again, as I drove along, I thought, there's this parallel on the road of life. When you're confident, you'll get places. When you're crippled with fear, you're going to get nowhere and actually be a danger to others.
Moving Forward with God-Given Confidence
However, as Christians we know this. We are to deny ourselves and focus on Jesus. Do you remember when Peter got out of the boat and started walking on water? He saw the wind and the waves and his self-confidence took a knock. He thought, there's no ways I'll get through this. But if he'd only fixed his eyes on Jesus, his confidence would have come back.
In fact, I like the way The Message paraphrases 1 Corinthians 10:12. It says "don't be so naive and self-confident. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence. Cultivate God confidence." I love that! Forget about self-confidence. Cultivate God confidence. Be so confident in who you are in Christ and who God is that you don't fear.
And so again, friends, on the road of life, you don't have to be paralyzed by fear. Cultivate God confidence by fixing your eyes on Him, and then I know you'll be going places.
