Confidence

Scripture:

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35,36

Reflection;

The 1932 world series will forever be known for one at-bat. It was the 3rd game of the series between the New York Yankee’s and the Chicago Cubs. Cubs pitcher, Charlie Root the winningest pitcher in Cub’s history faced the legendary George Herman “Babe” Ruth. In this storied exchange between pitcher and batter, Babe Ruth took strike one and the fans at Wrigley field started chanting. Charlie Root then threw strike two and the fans stood to their feet in a frenzy taunting Ruth as they looked for a humiliating strike out. That’s when Ruth took charge. He stepped out of the batters box, calmly addressed the taunting fans by pointing his bat toward center field. He stepped back into the batters box and swung a fast ball down low. The ball screamed 440 feet out of the park directly where Ruth had pointed his bat. He called the shot and he silenced the taunting crowd. 

That was a display of confidence…mixed with a bold measure of bravado. 

Confidence comes from the latin words – “con” meaning with or together, and “fidere” meaning faith or trust. Prior to the 14th century, the connotation of the word had more to do with having faith that was tied to God and others. Somewhere in the 15th century  the essence of the word began to change defining confidence as an inward strength or faith that was focused on the individual. 

As we look at the state of the world, the economy, our work and even or families, anxiety and fear desires to creep into our hearts like water that seeps through cracks in a foundation wall. Then we hear inspirational stories like the crazy confidence of a Babe Ruth and think; “if only I had that kind of confidence to overcome.” We swing for the fences, but rather than the home run, we strike out. 

The source of our confidence cannot be in ourselves. We need to return to the ancient definition of confidence that stems from on our communion with God and our relationships with each other. To live and grow in confidence requires us to abide in Christ and live well with the team/family/church God has given us. The quality and strength of our confidence only grows as we continue to build our lives on the solid rock of Christ. Self oriented confidence will always be a house built on the sinking sand.

On Christ the Solid Rock that we stand, all other ground is sinking sand. 

David