Quick! Write out a list of things that you’re insecure about! Insecurity can be defined as being uncertain, lacking confidence, or unable to access what is needed. Did you find your list of insecurities focus more on appearances, luxuries, or fundamental identity and purpose?
Our insecurities often rear their heads when we feel the most vulnerable. Our insecurities leave us prey to questioning our purpose and identity, leaving us exposed to falling prey to the greatest thief – comparing our calling.
Strong in Weakness
It’s in the moments of our greatest weakness, when we are at our most vulnerable and imperfect, that we tend to question our faith. We ask questions about the task we’ve set out to do, our identity and the purpose of our hopes and dreams.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians chapter 12, verses 9 and 10)
This scripture in 2 Corinthians chapter 12 is the perfect reminder that in our times of weakness, the strength of Christ really shines. When we lean into the truth and identity in Christ, we push aside our pride and human nature and allow the nature of our Creator to take precedent.
Finding confidence
How do we find strength in the moments when we genuinely believe that not good enough? How do we find the confidence to stop comparing our callings and stay the path?
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” (Jeremiah chapter 17, verse 7).
Staying the path is never easy. Keeping strong and courageous, having our confidence grounded can seem impossible when the very ground we’re standing on seems unstable. Rest assured, when we keep our hope and confidence firmly rooted in our Creator, the world and all its insecurities become secondary.
Comparing notes
When I was younger, I would often be fascinated with the what the other kinds my school had; their cool stationery, or who got a new toy, or chocolate with their lunch. The older I get, the more I realise that comparison only leads to us straying from what we were created to do.
The simplest truths are often the most profound, yet difficult to digest. Comparison is a thief. Comparing what we have, our goals and achievements in life, our health and talents with what someone else has is a fruitless activity.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm chapter 139, verses 13 and 14).
This scripture in Psalm says it best, we were created intentionally. Each and every person has a role to play, a specific purpose to fulfill. Yes, a hand that becomes insecure and envious of the stomach can attempt to digest food. That doesn’t mean it’s going to turn out well.
We each have a role to play, a calling to find confidence in, a purpose from our Creator. Comparing callings with people who have different skills, talents and resources only hurts us and drags us away from God and hurts us.
Staying strong and confident during our times of insecurities, remaining rooted in hope and secure in our Creator.
Hailing from South Africa, Crystelda is an avid nerd and an unapologetic dreamer. With a BSc. Biological Sciences and BCom Hons in marketing, she has launched the Christian lifestyle blog - Selah Blogger and is the joint winner of the 2019 International Theology Award. The blog can be found at https://selahblogger.wordpress.com/ and her previous articles may be viewed at https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/crystelda-naidoo.html