You can have more confidence
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Would you like more confidence in your life? Most people I know would say, “Yes, 100%.” So where does our lack of confidence come from? Why is it so hard to speak in front of others? I was one of those young adults who was terrified of just walking into a crowded room. Can you relate to this common phobia? I tried several things to help me overcome my fears.
I’ll never forget the day my pastor asked me to teach a Sunday school class. I wanted to say no, but he insisted. The first class started with 25 people. I was mortified every week. I didn’t know how to overcome my fear. So, a good friend and I came up with this super plan to prepare:
- Buy donuts before class and eat a few.
- Worship God for thirty minutes in a small closet that had an old piano.
Wasn’t that a silly plan?
One day, I noticed several people were running down the corridor in front of our closet. I stopped someone and asked why they were in such a hurry. The person answered, “We’ve got to hurry so we can get seats in a Sunday school class.” For a moment, I felt angry that I had to teach my class instead of attending this super class. So I asked, “Who’s the teacher?” They said, “It’s Paul Goulet.” I realized, “Hey, wait a minute…I’m Paul Goulet!”
I had no confidence because I didn’t see myself the way others did. My self-esteem was distorted. Would you like to change your self-esteem to a God-esteem? Paul the Apostle overcame his checkered past and boldly declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)
Can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you see yourself differently? Because you are a miracle!
Hi Mr Goulet. Thank you for your devotional. I can say though, I truly have never been afraid to speak in front of anyone. God has equipped me with the desire to share. Now sometimes I am a little hesitant to share Jesus but the older I get the more bold I get. I spent 30+ years as a project manager and/or trainer of some sort in technology and/or equipment of various kinds. I love speaking in front of people. My mother told me one time I truly chose the right career path. I asked her what she meant. She said “Well, you love people, you love to talk and you love to tell people what to do.” LOL. That is spot on and my older brothers agree. I have had to refine it somewhat in my approach but I love that God has given me the ability and desire to speak in front of others – either 1 or 100. Does not matter to me. Thanks for your message. I love hearing your voice as you tell the story. Have a God filled day!
Leah
I never had a fear in speaking in front of older adults which is crazy because I am mega shy more like speaking in front of children and I was a Sunday school teacher for kids. Why finding it hard to speak in front of children. I guess they are young and have not grown up enough to get their young minds an opinion on other people quite yet. Crazy I know! Now you can tell older adults that’s 48 year old chic that reads actually love listening to you talk so I listen to it online is afraid of children. Haha!
Thank you Paul for always sharing your stories,
I don’t like it either to stand up but this time there were like 40 of us and ea one had to share when my turn came up? If You ask me now what I said I don’t know, only that I felt good about it..
TUJ. It Was our last day..A long time ago?
Paul, thank you so much for sending this message this day, God spoke to my heart through this for a speaking opportunity that I have on Saturday the 25th.
After preparing my message I was wondering if I have written it well to speak. And through you message I felt like God was saying, ” Have your confidence in me for what you have written and how you will speak”.
Also, want to let you know that this message on same lines was sent to us last year and it gave confidence to take a step of faith and say “yes” to the opportunity for teaching at Sun school. It’s been a year now and each time I am helped by the Holy Spirit to teach. I didn’t know how I would speak to Nd teach kids but God’s helping me each sun and kids are enjoying so much. Thanks to Jesus Nd your encouraging messages that point us to Jesus!!
Lots of love and blessings to you!!