Faith is all about confidence, it’s about knowing that everything you do is being guided by the divine power of our Heavenly Father. But what about those times when God seems absent from our lives, or things keep happening that don’t match up with our own expectations? How do we stop ourselves from losing confidence?

The signs are all too familiar: fear, doubt, and refusal to believe leading to a loss of confidence in the will of God. And loss of confidence in God means loss of confidence in ourselves. Being too shy to step out, or too afraid, means we cannot accomplish those things which are essential to our faith walks. The situation may have been brought about by something unexpected happening in your life, or by listening to others filling your head with godless chatter. If we seem to be getting nowhere with a particular strategy, we may take too much of the blame on our own shoulders.

The first thing to note is that you are in good company. Both Moses and Elijah, two of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament, who came closer to knowing God than anyone else, suffered from lack of confidence. Moses thought he was completely unsuited to the labors the Lord had laid out for him, saying his speech defect would make him unsuitable. “I am slow of speech and tongue.” God’s reply? “Who gave man his mouth?” (Ex 4.10)

Later, Elijah would be found cowering in a cave. “What are you doing here, Elijah?” God asks him. He explains that he fears for his life, and God’s reply is unequivocal: “Go back the way your came.” (1 Kings 19.15)

These are two memorable moments in scripture and worth carrying around with you in your heart. The next time you find yourself thinking “I’m not good enough!” remember them. If God is sending you down a certain road, he will make sure you reach your goal, but if you keep prevaricating, or trying to do things your way, you will find yourself cowering in a cave in fear of your life. Then remember God’s words: “Go back the way you came!”

Going back the way you came is good advice. Get back on that road of faith and stop questioning everything. Just because things haven’t worked out the first or the second or the third time, doesn’t mean they never will. And if like Moses you doubt your physical capability, remind yourself who it was who made you capable in the first place. He knitted you in your mother’s womb, and knew you before you were born. You were made that way for a reason!

More Faith Articles 

Looking for true peace? Whatever you’re going through, God knows—and cares. Find real hope today.