God-Confident Kids By Cyndie Claypool De Neveናሙና

Self-confidence is based on how we feel about our strengths, talents, competence, and looks. Usually, that confidence is birthed from what others have to say about us—and today that frequently happens on social media for all to see. But building our confidence on our self is like building our house on the sand. When the first wave comes, we’re destroyed! Building our confidence on Christ, who designed each of us for a unique purpose—now that’s an unshakable confidence. That’s building our house on the one and only Rock. 

The secret to true confidence does not rely on self at all. True confidence, courage, humility, and authenticity are based on God-confidence. God-confidence is knowing that the God of the universe handcrafted each of us for a good purpose and that He will embolden us with strength, courage, wisdom, and all the gifts we need to do the tasks He has set before us. 

Every child needs to know that the Creator of the universe handcrafted them for a specific purpose which He prepared in advance for them to do. Trusting that God loves them and promises to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28)—even the most traumatic moments—helps children develop the God-confidence needed to face our ever- changing world. 

When God asks us to step out of our comfort zone to fulfill our purpose, we can trust that He will be our strength in our weakness. He will empower us with everything we need to accomplish that task. Self-confidence promotes relying on one’s self to accomplish our own purpose. But God-confidence reminds us to rely on God—which allows us to be our best selves—as He works through us to allow us to fulfill His good purpose in ways we could never do on our own. 

As we focus on developing God-confidence in our kids, they’re also learning to embrace and extend to others God’s love, grace, peace, and joy. True confidence starts with the truth of 2 Corinthians 12:10—the knowledge that, yes, I have weaknesses, but those allow God to work through me to demonstrate His strength. 

When have you seen your child benefit from a “negative” experience, such as an illness, an academic weakness, a lost sports game?