Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised.1
Frequently, I have quick-witted banters. “Is that your usual sugar fix?” Sarcastically, “Addicted!” Teasingly I respond, “She must be an influencer?” The clincher, “Bad!” A man of few words. Do you get similar exchanges? What about self-talk? What do the small voices tell you?
When told not to throw away your confidence, it implies a choice. You may either throw it away or choose to keep it. To help make the right choice, it pays to know the etymology or origin of the word confidence. It is derived from two Latin root words—Com (with) and Fid (trust).2 We operate with trust. There is a source of the trust; God himself.
We may glean practical applications by dissecting the verse further.
1. We Need To Endure. Confidence is not automatic. Site any new assignment, new skill, new knowledge—like a new project; riding a bike or learning to play a musical instrument; studying tech languages. It takes learning, practice, and endurance. As we keep doing and not stop, each little win contributes to the confidence.
2. We Do In Accordance to God’s Will. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.3 What is God’s will then? How do we know God’s will? Where do we learn God’s will? The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.4 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.5 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.6 All these verses are all found in Scripture. Make it a priority to read your Bible daily.
3. We Expect To Receive What Is Promised. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven hollowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”7 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.8 “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”9 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.10 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as the habit of some, but encouraging one another, . . .11 It is God’s will that we persevere in prayer and encourage one another. The promise is for both now and for eternity.
Notes:
1. Hebrews 10:35-36
2. https://www.etymonline.com/word/confidence
3. 1 John 5:14-15
4. Deuteronomy 29:29
5. Romans 12:2
6. John 10:27
7. Matthew 6:9-10
8. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
9. Luke 18:27
10. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
11. Hebrews 10:23-25
