I can do all things through him who strengthens me

(Philippians 4:13).

“I have confidence in me!” Remember Julie Andrews singing that song in the movie, The Sound of Music? Well, that was my theme song for too long. I had confidence in Anabel and her ability to overcome, to perform, to conquer! I knew I could do it! And then, God let my “I can do it!” program get all messed up and I stepped back and let Him take over. (Sounds like a smooth transaction? Well, reread that last sentence and put months of learning, failures, tears, new starts, doubts, tribulation, and more than a few trials in between those words.)

Giving up control is so hard to do, but that’s the way God planned for us to operate maximally in this crazy, mixed-up world we live in. Oh, I’m still very confident–poised–secure–but not because of anything Anabel might be able to accomplish! The song I sing today has the same tune, but different lyrics: “I have confidence in Him!”

Have you learned this truth yet? Are you still running into brick walls? It hurts, doesn’t it? This is the basic teaching of The Confident Woman. So many women have written, telling me about how their lives have been changed through reading this book. I’m not surprised! That’s wonderful! My life was changed, too, and I’m just passing on to you the way God brought that about.

THE BASICS IN THE LIFE OF THE CONFIDENT WOMAN

1. Essential: To know–unequivocally–that Jesus loves you.

2. Essential: To discover who you are now that you are in Christ Jesus.

3. Essential: To tap into the power of the indwelling Christ.

4. Essential: To have practical applications for appropriating these truths.

Anabel’s amplified paraphrase of Philippians 4:13

I have discovered–very painfully–that I am not capable

within myself to deal with the world and all that is in it.

When that shocking and humiliating discovery was made,

I turned to God and said,

“I cannot do this. Please do it for me.”

I now have great confidence in Him–in all things,

and His strength working through me.

Oh, I am a very confident woman. Thanks to You, Lord Jesus.