How has God touched your life? Do you have a special FAITH story that you would like to share? What has the Lord taught you lately?

So that we can get to know each other better, & encourage one another in our Faith, please consider writing a short story for Ladies Corner.

If you would like to write a segment for the Ladies Corner please let us know!

Be Confident

By Katie Parks

Through the last few years, I have gained such a greater understanding of this life God has for us. I have spent time thinking back on my own life and God’s hands in it from the beginning. As I continue to let God nurture and mature me, I have asked questions of those who helped get me here. The ones who have been there before the times I can even remember. I’m speaking of my parents. So, I asked my mom “Was I a planned baby, or a surprise?”

My mom responded, “You were sooooo planned!”

I have always found love and comfort in my parents. They wanted me from the beginning. I am a 28 year old widow with two busy little boys, and they still want me. I once feared still living with mom and dad at 28, but I am blessed to be here. I love my parents and am so thankful for the foundation they gave me and the confidence I have always had in them. However, my parents couldn’t always be there and they won’t always be. I had to discover the confidence that would get me through every moment, every season of my life. There has been much sadness and tragedy in my life. I have faced situations that no one could protect me from or help me through, except God.

I have put my trust in others only to be heartbroken and betrayed. I know mom and dad love me and are proud…but I can’t just rely on mom and dad to fill me the rest of my life. I am so thankful for them, but a girl needs more. My self-assurance was doubted. What did I do? Why am I not worthy of this love and life? The thing is, I am worthy of such love and such life, we all are, this is why God allowed me to go through such hardship… to turn me towards Him. He showed me that He would be the One to hold me up and protect me. He would be the One to stand by me no matter what.  He wasn’t going to let me go through life playing it safe, fearful, and staying on the sidelines. He was going to test me and my heart, see where I truly stand. I stand by Him. God knows best what we need and what we desire. He knows our hearts. God knows I desire to obey Him and walk the path He has for me. God wants to fill me to the measure of fullness and in order to fill me...He made my heart wide open.

God knows I desire to raise my sons to be Christian soldiers. I may be a single mother raising two boys, but I have God to direct me. I have been put in positions I never imagined myself being placed, but God has been there right by my side, pushing me out of my comfort zone. He has placed me in positions I have felt less than qualified to handle, yet God knew I would make it through. It’s the capable hands of God that carry me. It wasn’t about me being strong enough or qualified enough, what others thought I was capable of. It’s the fact that God is strong enough and more than capable. God showed He is control and that I could trust Him. I could depend on Him. He took me for a wild ride and no matter how bumpy it got at times; I knew God would get me through. God showed me the life He has for me and my sons, what we are worthy of.

God’s hands clearly guided me through and I could see the purpose in it all amid the suffering. God would be given the glory for all. You won’t hear me say, “I did it!” God did it. He makes it happen, but it’s up to you if you’re going to let Him or not…if you will participate in His plan. He has a plan and He will follow through. But are you going to be a part of it? Trust me, His way is much better and He will do what He has to, to steer you on His path. It’s easier if you just surrender and let Him have control. You will be so blessed and thankful you did.

God knew what was in store and although He allowed a lot of hardship to get my mind focused on Him…I am thankful He did. I may have been a shy girl rejected by many, not wanting to go with the crowd, but God saw something in me that others didn’t. God chose me. He has chosen me just as He has chosen you. I have found confidence in the fact that God handpicked me to accomplish His purposes in this generation. I know my parents love me and wanted me from the beginning and I have never doubted their love for me, but God planned me before my parents even knew they wanted me. He chose me and established me. He gave me the parents He did and me to them. I am thankful to Him for the foundation He gave me, for equipping me with the tools I would need for the tasks ahead. I am thankful for my parents and all that they have encouraged me through. They have been a constant in my life, but God has ultimate control and He is the One to work in our hearts. I have to depend on Him...find confidence in Him. God is the One to guide and direct me. He is the One who has the plans and knows where I need to go, where I desire to go. Without Him, all would be impossible. It scares me to even imagine.

No matter the circumstances, put God in the center. The goal is to affect the lives around you and that Christ may be seen more fully and personally. You may not feel confident or capable, but God knows you already have what you need. He equips for His purpose those He calls. We are only human, not superwoman. God has replaced our incapability with His ability and secured our victory when we chose to trust in Him. He chose you…so chose confidence in Him.

“You did not chose Me, but I chose you” John 15:16

“Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who has also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant.” 2 Cor. 3:5-6

Previous Articles:

"Simple...Yet Profound" by Michele Rocioppo