Self-Confidence (Mark 14:31)

We admire people with self-confidence.? It is one of the marks of maturity.? You won?t get far without it.? Successful leaders all display strong self-confidence.? Indeed, some leaders are so confident that they find it difficult ever to think that they could make a mistake.? After three years with Jesus, Peter believed he had enough faith to withstand any trial.? Jesus knew that he was fragile, despite his bluff and despite his promise.? In the end, Jesus was on trial and Peter had to face his own kangaroo court!? The court found him guilty of being a follower of Jesus.? He flatly denied it, thus fulfilling the prediction Jesus had made that Peter would fall away.

The reason Peter failed was because he believed he was strong enough to withstand pressure.? He trusted in his own courage.? He was not only self-confident ? he was too confident by far!? Beneath his bold exterior he over-estimated his own capability, when, in fact, he was as weak as the next person.

Never be too confident in your own strength.? Ask God to give you an honest self-image.? There is no need to sell yourself short, but let God and others guide you as to your abilities and capacities.? If you are called to stretch beyond what you know your capabilities are, ask God for strength, help and guidance.? It may surprise you to find how much more God can do when you rely upon His resources.

Bro David Yelulane (Banket, Zimbabwe)