Teachable Woman Podcast – Confidence (Part 4)
Hosts: Rev. Michele Owes & Rev. Diana P. Cherry
Introduction
In Part 4 of the Confidence series, Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry continue exploring what biblical confidence truly means. Rather than placing confidence in personal abilities or self-sufficiency, they encourage listeners to trust completely in God, who begins every good work and faithfully completes it. Through Scripture, personal testimonies, and practical examples, they remind believers that confidence is found in God's presence, His promises, and His ongoing work in our lives.
Show Notes
1. True confidence is confidence in God—not ourselves.
The hosts revisit the central theme of the series by explaining that biblical confidence is an assurance rooted in God's faithfulness rather than personal achievement. Drawing from Philippians 1:6, they emphasize that God is the One who begins, sustains, and completes every good work in His children. While God gives believers gifts and abilities, all glory belongs to Him.
2. The Holy Spirit is our constant Helper.
Rev. Cherry shares personal stories about relying on the Holy Spirit in everyday life—from finding misplaced items to seeking guidance in ordinary decisions. These simple experiences demonstrate that God is deeply involved in every aspect of life and delights in helping His children when they ask. Confidence grows as believers learn to depend on the Holy Spirit daily.
3. Prayer accomplishes what human effort cannot.
Rev. Owes reflects on a situation involving conflict between two people. After attempting to resolve the issue herself, she ultimately surrendered it to God in prayer. God brought about a resolution that exceeded anything she could have accomplished. The discussion encourages listeners to take problems to God first instead of relying solely on personal wisdom or effort.
4. Don't quit the good work God has called you to do.
Whether facing challenges in family, education, ministry, career, or relationships, the hosts encourage listeners to persevere. God did not bring His people this far to abandon them. Because He is both the Author and Finisher of their faith, believers can trust Him to provide strength, wisdom, and endurance until the work is complete.
5. Mary and Martha illustrate the difference between being busy and being spiritually nourished.
Using Luke 10:38–42, Rev. Owes highlights Mary's decision to sit at Jesus' feet instead of becoming consumed with household responsibilities. While Martha focused on serving, Mary chose "the good part" by spending time in Christ's presence. The conversation reminds listeners that while responsibilities matter, intimacy with Jesus must always remain the priority because it produces lasting spiritual confidence.
6. Choosing stillness allows God to direct our steps.
The hosts discuss the importance of pausing before reacting, speaking, or making decisions. Sometimes confidence means remaining quiet, seeking God's direction, and allowing Him to work instead of trying to control every situation. As believers acknowledge God in all their ways, He faithfully leads, guides, and directs their paths.
7. Confidence grows through continual fellowship with God.
The episode concludes by encouraging believers to return to the childlike dependence they had when they first came to Christ. Through prayer, Scripture, worship, old hymns, and daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit, believers can maintain unwavering confidence that God will never leave or forsake them. The more they rely on Him, the stronger their confidence becomes.
Summary
This episode reminds listeners that lasting confidence is never rooted in self-confidence but in complete trust in God. He is the One who begins every good work, equips His people through the Holy Spirit, hears every prayer, and faithfully brings His purposes to completion. By choosing God's presence over distraction, surrendering life's burdens to Him, and relying on His guidance each day, believers can live with unwavering confidence that He is always working on their behalf.
