July 27th, 2025
by Rev. Kevin C Benton
by Rev. Kevin C Benton
Confidence in the Course: Navigating Life's Journey with Faith
Life often feels like a winding path, filled with unexpected twists and turns. We set out with determination, but sometimes find ourselves questioning our direction or feeling overwhelmed by the challenges we face. In these moments, it's crucial to remember that we're not alone on this journey – and that having confidence in our course can make all the difference.
The Psalmist David beautifully captures this sentiment in Psalm 27:1-5. He declares, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" These powerful words remind us that when we place our trust in God, we have nothing to fear. Even when faced with enemies or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can stand firm in the knowledge that our Creator is with us.
But what does it mean to have true confidence in our spiritual journey? It's more than just positive thinking or blind optimism. It's a deep-rooted assurance that comes from knowing who God is and who we are in Him. This confidence allows us to press on, even when the path ahead seems unclear or daunting.
Consider the story of Joshua and the Israelites. They faced numerous battles as they entered the Promised Land, but their success came from following God's lead. The one time Joshua faltered – at Ai – was when he relied on his own counsel rather than seeking God's guidance. This serves as a powerful reminder that our confidence should be rooted in God's wisdom, not our own understanding.
Life will inevitably bring challenges our way. As David writes in Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." This verse paints a vivid picture of God's presence in our lives – not just in the good times, but especially in the difficult moments. The shepherd's rod and staff serve as tools for both guidance and correction, much like how God leads us through life's ups and downs.
Sometimes, we may feel like we're in a spiritual desert – dry, barren, and without hope. But Isaiah 41:18-19 offers a beautiful promise: "I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs... I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive." This passage reminds us that God can bring life and abundance to even the most desolate places in our lives.
When we're tempted to give up or lose heart, it's essential to remember that God is always working, even when we can't see it. Like a master gardener, He's planting seeds of hope and transformation in the wilderness of our circumstances. Our job is to trust in His timing and remain confident in His plan.
This confidence isn't just about believing God will make everything easy. Rather, it's about trusting that He is with us through every step of the journey. Isaiah 41:10 offers this reassurance: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." What a powerful promise to cling to when we feel weak or uncertain!
It's important to recognize that stumbling along the way doesn't mean we've failed or that God has abandoned us. Psalm 37:23-24 tells us, "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Our missteps and mistakes don't define us – it's how we respond and allow God to redirect us that matters.
Sometimes, the greatest obstacles we face aren't external circumstances, but our own doubts and fears. We may question whether God really loves us, especially when we've made mistakes or strayed from His path. But just as earthly parents continue to love their children even when they misbehave, God's love for us is unconditional and never-ending. His love isn't based on our performance, but on His character.
As we navigate life's journey, it's crucial to surround ourselves with people and influences that strengthen our faith, not weaken it. Just as a sports team draws energy and motivation from supportive fans, we need a community of believers to encourage us and help us stay focused on God's promises.
Ultimately, having confidence in our spiritual course means trusting that God is good, that He is with us, and that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). It means choosing to believe His promises, even when our circumstances seem to contradict them. It's about pressing on, not because the path is always easy, but because we know the One who walks beside us.
So, whatever challenges you're facing today, remember that you're not alone. God is with you, strengthening you, and guiding your steps. He can bring rivers of life to your desert places and turn your valleys into springs of hope. Stand firm in your faith, be courageous in your convictions, and have confidence in the course God has set before you.
As you continue on your journey, may you be filled with the assurance that comes from knowing your God is always with you. May you find strength in His presence, wisdom in His Word, and hope in His promises. And may you walk forward with confidence, knowing that the God who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).
Life often feels like a winding path, filled with unexpected twists and turns. We set out with determination, but sometimes find ourselves questioning our direction or feeling overwhelmed by the challenges we face. In these moments, it's crucial to remember that we're not alone on this journey – and that having confidence in our course can make all the difference.
The Psalmist David beautifully captures this sentiment in Psalm 27:1-5. He declares, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" These powerful words remind us that when we place our trust in God, we have nothing to fear. Even when faced with enemies or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can stand firm in the knowledge that our Creator is with us.
But what does it mean to have true confidence in our spiritual journey? It's more than just positive thinking or blind optimism. It's a deep-rooted assurance that comes from knowing who God is and who we are in Him. This confidence allows us to press on, even when the path ahead seems unclear or daunting.
Consider the story of Joshua and the Israelites. They faced numerous battles as they entered the Promised Land, but their success came from following God's lead. The one time Joshua faltered – at Ai – was when he relied on his own counsel rather than seeking God's guidance. This serves as a powerful reminder that our confidence should be rooted in God's wisdom, not our own understanding.
Life will inevitably bring challenges our way. As David writes in Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." This verse paints a vivid picture of God's presence in our lives – not just in the good times, but especially in the difficult moments. The shepherd's rod and staff serve as tools for both guidance and correction, much like how God leads us through life's ups and downs.
Sometimes, we may feel like we're in a spiritual desert – dry, barren, and without hope. But Isaiah 41:18-19 offers a beautiful promise: "I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs... I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive." This passage reminds us that God can bring life and abundance to even the most desolate places in our lives.
When we're tempted to give up or lose heart, it's essential to remember that God is always working, even when we can't see it. Like a master gardener, He's planting seeds of hope and transformation in the wilderness of our circumstances. Our job is to trust in His timing and remain confident in His plan.
This confidence isn't just about believing God will make everything easy. Rather, it's about trusting that He is with us through every step of the journey. Isaiah 41:10 offers this reassurance: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." What a powerful promise to cling to when we feel weak or uncertain!
It's important to recognize that stumbling along the way doesn't mean we've failed or that God has abandoned us. Psalm 37:23-24 tells us, "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Our missteps and mistakes don't define us – it's how we respond and allow God to redirect us that matters.
Sometimes, the greatest obstacles we face aren't external circumstances, but our own doubts and fears. We may question whether God really loves us, especially when we've made mistakes or strayed from His path. But just as earthly parents continue to love their children even when they misbehave, God's love for us is unconditional and never-ending. His love isn't based on our performance, but on His character.
As we navigate life's journey, it's crucial to surround ourselves with people and influences that strengthen our faith, not weaken it. Just as a sports team draws energy and motivation from supportive fans, we need a community of believers to encourage us and help us stay focused on God's promises.
Ultimately, having confidence in our spiritual course means trusting that God is good, that He is with us, and that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). It means choosing to believe His promises, even when our circumstances seem to contradict them. It's about pressing on, not because the path is always easy, but because we know the One who walks beside us.
So, whatever challenges you're facing today, remember that you're not alone. God is with you, strengthening you, and guiding your steps. He can bring rivers of life to your desert places and turn your valleys into springs of hope. Stand firm in your faith, be courageous in your convictions, and have confidence in the course God has set before you.
As you continue on your journey, may you be filled with the assurance that comes from knowing your God is always with you. May you find strength in His presence, wisdom in His Word, and hope in His promises. And may you walk forward with confidence, knowing that the God who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).
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