From Confidence in Self to Confidence in Christ

Before I received eternal life I took pride in how "good" I thought I was and desperately wanted to maintain that image to others to gain their acceptance. However, in actuality I was insecure because I knew deep down I really wasn't good and that something was missing in my life.

I used to do really well in school. I hung out with a good crowd. I didn't make any "big" mistakes. I didn't get into drinking or drugs. I didn't mess around with boys. I was the sweet, kind person in school who would welcome the new student and be friends with anyone. I was an obedient daughter. By the world's standards, I was a good kid, but I knew in my heart I was fooling people.

I started going to church and heard about Jesus. I learned that even my best works on my best day were filthy rags compared to Jesus' righteousness. I learned that I didn't HAVE to try to be good enough to be accepted because I can only be accepted by God based on what Jesus did for me. I realized how much of a sinner I was, BUT I still held onto my pride--people already thought I was a Christian; I was probably ok, right? Then, one day a fellow student died of cancer. He was just about 14 years old. If he died so young I realized I could too, and I knew my eternity wasn't secure with the Lord. Though I had been going to church and "acting" Christian, I hadn't truly submitted to him as my Lord and Savior. After months of struggling between the desire to give my life to Christ and the pride that made me feel like I was "ok", I finally gave my life to the Lord and received the secure hope of eternal salvation. I had come to understand my true sinful state and that I was hopeless without Jesus, and I received God's gift of life.

Now that I know Jesus as my Savior I find my confidence and security in Him. The grace He shows me on my best and worst of days is more than I can comprehend; He loves me despite either how much I "have it together" or how much I mess up.

Instead of being prideful of how good I think I can be, I see myself accurately as a sinner saved by the grace of God and take delight in His goodness toward me. Instead of being fearful of death, I know my eternity is secure with Him.

Because I have put my faith in Jesus and look to Him for my eternal security, I find my confidence, security, and fulfillment in Him alone.