Do you have a clear conscience?

Are you lacking the confidence to move forward in your life, career, or relationships? Anxiety and fear of failure can rob you of your divine destiny. God has a great plan for your life, and Jeremiah knew this: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV) A lack of confidence can even hinder the plans of God for you. So let’s take a few moments today to rid ourselves of those secret landmines.

I’ll never forget my trip to Rwanda in 1996. The leaders of my movement asked me to help leaders go back into the villages and cities after the genocide. It was terrifying and amazing, and God moved in great ways. The Rwandan missionaries wanted to show me a piece of land. They had a vision for a Bible college that would rise from the ashes of 800,000 massacred in 100 days. I remember jumping out of the Jeep with sheer joy and excitement until their screams snapped me to my senses. I was running in a field full of landmines. 

friend, anxieties are like landmines, so let’s get rid of them. 

The Bible says Paul knew where his confidence should come from: “Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.” (2 Corinthians 1:12, NIV) Wow! This verse really rocks my spirit: “Our reason for confidence is this:”. Could it be any plainer? His confidence didn’t come from his good looks, talent, intellect, or perfection. It came from: 

1. The testimony of his conscience. Paul had a clear conscience.
2. Paul had integrity. His motives were pure.
3. He conducted himself with godly sincerity. 
4. He relied on God’s grace.

I find these truths very powerful. They give me hope because I’m imperfect, just as you are. I’ve failed a thousand times in my life and career. But God is so good. I’ve leaned into His grace and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

friend, you can listen to your conscience—it’s a gift from God. You can invite the Holy Spirit into your deep motives and ask Him for help to be sincere.

Because you are a miracle.