Have you ever wondered what it really means to be a confident disciple of Jesus? Many of us struggle with doubt, hesitation, and fear when it comes to living out our faith. Yet throughout Scripture, we see that God calls His people to walk in boldness and confidence-not in themselves, but in Him.
What Is a Confident Disciple?
A confident disciple isn’t someone with a perfect spiritual life or all the theological answers. Rather, it’s someone who:
• Trusts God’s Word as the foundation for their life and decisions
• Knows their identity as a beloved child of God
• Steps out in faith even when feeling inadequate
• Speaks and acts with authority rooted in Christ
• Ministers to others as Jesus did—proclaiming good news and bringing healing
The confident disciple understands that their confidence comes not from personal strength or ability, but from Christ living in them. As Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Confidence in Everyday Discipleship
What does this confidence look like in daily life? It means approaching each day knowing you are fully accepted by God because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. It’s speaking truth with love when it would be easier to stay silent. It’s praying for the sick when you feel unqualified. It’s sharing your faith with a neighbor despite the butterflies in your stomach.
Jesus didn’t call us to merely believe the right things-He called us to do what He did. He told His disciples, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these” (John 14:12). That’s a promise that requires confidence to embrace!
The Difference Between Worldly and Godly Confidence
The world tells us confidence comes from self-improvement, achievement, or positive thinking. But godly confidence is different-it’s actually rooted in humility. It acknowledges our weakness and limitations while simultaneously trusting in God’s unlimited power working through us.
Remember the disciples before Pentecost? They were hiding behind locked doors. But after receiving the Holy Spirit, these same men boldly proclaimed the gospel throughout Jerusalem. What changed wasn’t their abilities but their awareness of God’s presence and power in them.
Growing in Confidence
So how can we become more confident disciples? Here are practical steps anyone can take:
1. Immerse yourself in Scripture.
God’s promises build faith and confidence. Make Bible reading a daily priority.
2. Practice hearing God’s voice.
Set aside quiet time to listen in prayer, then take small steps of obedience when you sense His leading.
3. Start where you are.
If praying for healing seems overwhelming, begin by offering to pray for someone’s headache. Small acts of faith lead to greater confidence.
4. Find community.
Connect with other believers who will encourage you and provide examples of confident faith in action.
5. Remember past faithfulness.
Keep track of how God has worked in your life before-these testimonies build confidence for future challenges.
6. Focus on Jesus, not results.
True confidence isn’t shaken when prayers seem unanswered or ministry efforts don’t yield visible fruit.
The Invitation to Confidence
Every one of us can become a confident disciple. God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. The same Holy Spirit who empowered Jesus’ ministry lives in you! Your background, personality, or past failures don’t disqualify you from walking in spiritual confidence.
Jesus is still inviting everyday believers to continue His work-preaching good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, and setting captives free. When we say “yes” to that invitation-even with trembling hands-we step into the confident discipleship He designed for us.
Today, take one small step of faith. Pray for someone. Share your testimony. Speak truth in love. As you do, you’ll discover that confidence grows not by focusing on yourself but by fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.
