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Step into a life of confidence and purpose | Devoutly

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Mon 10/16

I AFFIRM

I overcome self-doubt with God’s grace.
Mon 10/16

I AFFIRM

I overcome self-doubt with God’s grace.
—Galatians 6:4
“Pay careful attention to your own work … and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.”

NLT

Devotion

October 16 2023 Devotion Audio

Unshakable Confidence

By: Karen Valentin

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Devotion

Unshakable Confidence

By: Karen Valentin

After learning to make fondant from marshmallows and powdered sugar, my cake designs for special occasions became more elaborate. Soon I began to receive requests for my cakes from friends and family. 

“I want a monster truck,” one friend announced. This would be a paid commission, so it had to be perfect. 

I had no idea how I would pull this off, yet I had complete confidence in myself to figure it out as I went along. 

My unshakable confidence was a far cry from all I’d been panicking about in the other areas of my life. I had just quit my job to write and live as a freelance artist. Money wasn’t coming in as steadily as I’d imagined. 

With no plan for this truck, I worked one detail at a time, molding pieces of Rice Krispies treats,
wrapping them in fondant, and fitting them together with skewers. 

Little by little, my monster-truck cake was coming to life as I finished the sculpture and decorated the cake where it would sit. I loved it!

Karen, I thought to myself, looking at the finished product on my kitchen table, you need
to stop panicking about the future. No, I didn’t have a concrete plan or any guarantees for success, but I did know that I would figure it out as I went along, and I could trust in the call God had on my life to be the mother and artist He made me to be. 

Story

October 16 2023 Story

“How to Live by Faith, Not Fear”

By: Pablo Diaz
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Are you afraid of making decisions, asking your boss for a raise, leaving your secure job to pursue your life’s dream? Whether we are in the beginning of our careers or toward the end, fear has a way of interfering with our choices. The other day, I was purchasing a new pair of glasses when a young sales lady shared that after working the past six years at the same store, she is now leaving to become the communications director for another company.  

When telling me this, her facial expression changed from being eager to nervous. She said, “I’m excited and also afraid.” I responded, “What are you afraid of?” She said, “I am afraid of not having enough experience and the unknown.” I offered words of encouragement, reminding her of her education, value and business experience. The young lady paused and said, “You are like a life coach.” We both laughed and continued with the business transaction.  

Why is it that we allow fear to get in the way of our dreams, life and even of our faith journey? It’s only natural to feel fear in the midst of change and of the unknown. However, when it stops us from doing and living to our fullest, it’s an issue that we must face. Author Susan Jeffers of the book, Feel the Fear and Do It Any Way, offers good insight in her article “The Five Truths about Fear” that are worth sharing:  

Fear Truth #1 The fear will never go away as long as you continue to grow! Fear is part of the package.   

Fear Truth #2 The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and…do it! When you do it often enough, you will no longer be afraid in that particular situation.    

Fear Truth #3 The only way to feel better about yourself is to go out and…do it! With each little step you take into unknown territory, a pattern of strength develops.  

Fear Truth #4 Not only are you afraid when facing the unknown, so is everyone else! You are not alone.            

Fear Truth #5 Pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the bigger underlying fear that comes from a feeling of helplessness!    

When we apply the principles shared by Susan Jeffers and believe that God helps us push through our fears, we learn to live by faith and not by fear.  

Reflect

How will you overcome self-doubt the next time you face it?

Stop comparing myself to others and focus on my unique talents.

Remember that God has blessed me with His grace.

Take everything a step at a time and trust that I will figure it out along the way.

May God’s love encourage and guide your steps today. We’ll see you again soon!

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