EVERWEST DEVOTIONAL #18 | Confidence Through Christ

Scripture

“Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” — 2 Corinthians 3:4–5

Reflection

When God called me into obedience to leave my job and start this company, rooting it in Him with the goal of glorifying Him in everything we do, I didn’t feel qualified. I didn’t feel spiritually mature enough. I didn’t feel bold enough. If anything, I felt aware of my weaknesses.

And that awareness has only grown.

As I’ve stepped into sharing these devotionals and publicly professing Jesus, I’ve had to confront something humbling: any boldness people see is not self-generated. It is not because I am competent in myself. Just like Paul writes in 2 Corinthians, our competence comes from God. The confidence to speak, the courage to post, the clarity to write, those are gifts of the Spirit.

Left to myself, I would choose comfort and avoid vulnerability. But the Spirit gives life. The Spirit strengthens. The Spirit produces courage where there once was hesitation. Some people refuse to be used by God because they think of themselves as “not ready,” but in a sense, we are never ready or worthy. If we were, the competence would be in ourselves and not from God.

At first, I assumed God wanted to use the devotionals to encourage the readers. And He has. But what I didn’t expect was how much He would use them to transform me.

Looking back, this simple act of obedience has grown my faith just as much as it has encouraged others. The more I speak about Jesus, the more natural it becomes. The more I step out, the smaller my reservations feel. My growing boldness isn’t something I’ve manufactured, it’s something the Spirit has formed.

And I’ve watched the ripple effect unfold.

As I’ve opened up about my faith, others have opened up about theirs. As I’ve stepped out in obedience, I’ve seen others grow more courageous in theirs. Conversations have deepened. Curiosity has sparked. Spiritual hunger has surfaced. I’ve seen people spend more time in Scripture and lean into prayer in new ways. The overflow doesn’t stop with one person, it moves outward.

There is nothing special about my ability or effort that could produce this kind of fruit. God is the one doing the work. He is the one softening hearts, creating hunger, stirring boldness, and bringing growth. I’m simply trying to stay surrendered and be led by the Spirit, taking the next step He places in front of me. Any impact that has come from this is His alone.

If God is nudging you to be bolder in your faith, don’t wait until you feel ready or qualified. Step out anyway. Speak about Jesus. Share what He’s doing in your life. Initiate the conversation. Pray out loud. Watch what happens, not only in the lives around you, but inside of you.

God can transform entire communities with only a handful of people willing to be obedient in Him and bold in their faith. So as you move in obedience, you may find your confidence growing, your fear shrinking, and your faith deepening. Not because you suddenly became more capable, but because your competence has always come from God. When we rely on His Spirit instead of ourselves, transformation doesn’t just ripple outward, it takes root within.

Application

1. Where might God be asking you to step out in obedience, even though you don’t feel ready or qualified?

2. Are you relying on your own ability and comfort, or trusting that your competence comes from God?

3. What bold step could you take this week to share your faith and allow God to work not only through you, but in you?

Prayer

Father, thank You that our confidence and competence come from You alone. When we feel unqualified, hesitant, or unsure, remind us that You are the One who equips and empowers us by Your Spirit. Give us courage to step out in obedience and boldness to proclaim Jesus, not relying on ourselves but fully depending on You. Transform us as we trust You, and use our simple faithfulness to bring life and growth to those around us. May everything we do point back to Your strength, not ours. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If there’s someone in your life who might be encouraged by this, or future devotionals, please share it with them or subscribe them here. You can also find past devotionals here.

- Jake Bunz, Founder

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