August 23. Confidence Trumps Fears.

As leaders and entrepreneurs, we lead teams forward, into the future. But in the future, we will experience both risks and opportunities. Sometimes they are one in the same, but they need to be addressed. This is where value can be found. If you are removing or mitigating risks, then you are providing value and giving confidence.

You do not find confidence packaged and for sale, but many products or services are attempting to do just that. Take away risk and confidence fills some of the space that the risks formerly held, at least in our minds. Where does your team enhance confidence in each other and for your clients? I find it interesting that when you enhance confidence you just might be removing a risk.

Is that the way your team looks at it? As a leader, when was the last time you spoke to your team about their confidence? If your team is not acting with confidence, then they are likely to be feeling the effects of fear and risk in their work or their life away from work.

The role of leadership calls for us to play the trump card of confidence. The role of playing the confidence card might be a worthy objective today. What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Brothers and sisters, the world is a heavy place. I think of the old pictures from my childhood where Atlas held the world on his back. When we lose our confidence, it seems that the weight of the world comes down on us. But our confidence in our Savior has offered to remove that weight.

We do not have to accept those heavy burdens. Jesus has already lightened the load and will take it in the future as well. Why then do we live in such sin and cause those heavy events to happen? I think if we take measures to mitigate our dangers, the confidence of Christ will be ever closer to us.

We read, "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 22:3 NLT. Where are you not being or acting confident? Maybe all you need to do is mitigate some risk and step forward with action to have some precautions in place. Who do you know that may help you with taking some precautions?

In how many areas of your faith walk would those precautions help you to have more confidence? There may not be anything more important than our confidence in Christ and having confidence in this world because of it. Lead today with confidence. What is the first thing that you can do about it in the next seven days? 

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, you hold the confidence of the world in the palm of your hands. As we move away from you our risks, danger, and fear increase. Let us gather among ourselves and support one another to mitigate the fear with your influence. Let your light shine into the dark crevices of fear.

Let us walk confidently now where we walked in fear in the past and may you be glorified and honored in the process. Holy Spirit come. Church family come. Hold our hands to take away our fear. Encourage us to be in the Lord's presence. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen,