From time to time, new words are introduced into the
English Language. English is a ‘living
language’ and it adapts and changes.
If
we study the Bible, we often have to go back to Biblical Hebrew or Classic
Greek to see what the original words said because English is constantly
changing. I can understand that,
sometimes, we need a word….something that is a little unique to be able to
remind us that there is something different.
For example….. Here are some of the new words in the
English Language
- man cave n (introduced around 1992). Many guys know exactly what a man cave
is. Big oversize leather chairs, a huge
entertainment center, refreshments, everything a man needs. In can be in the basement, perhaps the entire
basement, an extra bedroom or study. We have downsized our home and as a result I don’t have a
man cave, I have a man basket. It’s
conveniently located near our front door and a great place for me to store my
wallet, keys, some spare change and sun glasses.
- Another new word in the English language is bucket list n (introduced 2006) The movie Bucket List immediately created the word and it refers to the things that people want to do before they “kick the bucket”.
The word I hope to see entered into the English dictionary
for everyone’s benefit is the word
Godfidence.
It is the best word I have found to express what we most
need to achieve what God wants us to achieve.
You may have thought at first that the word I said is ‘confidence’, and
of course Godfidence is closely related to confidence.
Confidence is defined by Dictionary.com as
belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance.
The big problem however with confidence is that it
fosters pride and promotes a reliance on our own strengths and abilities.
The reality is that we all have doubts; we all have times when fear even
becomes the primary motivator for action or inaction.
The bible however encourages us to have faith, not fear.
The Bible says “I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Godfidence is the reliance and trust not in our own
ability but in God’s ability. It is the
faith that enables us to achieve far beyond that which we can accomplish
without God. Surprisingly, it is most
needed and actually only available when we realize that in our own power and
strength we cannot possibly achieve the goal.
It is the trust that God is able when we know we are not.
This type of confidence is not blind faith or hope beyond
hope but it is literally the ‘substance of things hoped for’. The evidence is retold every day in our
ministries, our businesses, our churches and in our families. It does not require the absence of doubt or
fear but actually overcomes our doubts and fears by not looking at those things
that are seen but visioning those things that are not seen.
If you are still struggling with the difference between
Confidence and Godfidence, here is a simple comparison:
Confidence Godfidence
My ability God’s
ability
Embraces learned behavior Embraces
God’s character
Assurance on the outcome Assurance
on God’s power
Results in self-promotion Results in humility and reliance
Elevates self Elevates
God
Here are some other scripture verses that help in
understanding Godfidence:
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV says, “For God gave us a spirit
not of fear but of power and love and self-control.:
Ephesians 2:10 ESV says, “For we are his
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Philippians 1:6 ESV says, “And I am sure of this,
that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of
Jesus Christ.
If God has called you do anything.....don't have confidence but have Godfidence!
