"Confidence"
Daniel Valles

READ I John 3:19-24

When all of the world seems against you, when even fellow Christians question the work you are doing for God, when others think they know what God's will for your life is, where do you find refuge? Perhaps your family does not understand why you are going off to Bible college, maybe friends do not understand why you take certain stands for truth, doctrine, and what God says. When people ask you "Why?", sometimes the only answer is "I know what God's Word says, and I must obey."

The verses give voice to what can seem a response beyond vocalization. "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God." (vs. 23) We may know the answer, but we cannot express it. Down deep throughout our heart and spirit, we KNOW that such-and-such is a commandment or principle that we must obey and follow, even at risk of friendships, employment, and even life. Action on our part produces peace in our heart that comes from Him dwelling in us. Verse 24 says, "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him."

Why do you take a stand for Christ's commandments? Why do you "step out on a limb" when everyone else in church thinks you have gone 'extreme'? Perhaps you are thinking that even though nobody else understands why you are doing what you are doing, you have complete peace about it. You cannot explain it other than that it comes from doing what He asks.

The next time someone asks why you have gotten all 'super-pious', or 'extreme' in your Christianity, perhaps the only answer is to show them I John 3:19-21. Do you have sure confidence toward God in what you are doing? Take rest in that if you are doing as He says, and in full confidence toward His commandments and promises, that He "abideth in us" (vs. 24) - Keep His commandments in full confidence, and abide in Him.