Teachable Woman Podcast
The Beginning of Your Confidence – Part 1
Hosts: Rev. Michele Owes & Rev. Diana P. Cherry
Introduction
In this heartfelt conversation, Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry explore the meaning of spiritual confidence and the importance of maintaining the same trust in God that we had when we first came to faith. Drawing from Hebrews 3:14, they discuss how life's responsibilities, disappointments, and experiences can subtly shift our confidence from God to ourselves. Through personal testimonies, honest reflection, and biblical encouragement, they remind listeners that God remains faithful and worthy of complete trust.
Show Notes
1. Hebrews 3:14 and the Call to Hold Fast Our Confidence
The episode centers on Hebrews 3:14: "For we are made partakers with Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." The hosts examine what it means to remain spiritually confident in God throughout every season of life.
2. When Self-Reliance Replaces Childlike Faith
Rev. Michele shares a recent experience that revealed how she had gradually shifted from trusting God completely to trying to figure everything out herself before obeying Him. She reflects on how painful it was to recognize that her confidence had moved from God’s ability to her own understanding.
3. God Challenges Our Need for Control
Through prayer and conviction, Rev. Michele sensed God asking, "Why do you have to work everything out?" This moment became a reminder that God is still the Way Maker and that believers are not called to manufacture solutions before they step out in obedience.
4. The Unique Challenges of Widowhood and Independence
Both hosts discuss how widowhood has required them to make decisions independently after years of sharing responsibilities with their husbands. They acknowledge that while God understands these challenges, He still calls His daughters to seek Him first and trust His guidance.
5. God’s Faithfulness in the Details
After surrendering her concerns and agreeing to trust God, Rev. Michele witnessed Him work out every detail surrounding an assignment she believed He had given her. The experience reinforced the truth that where God guides, He also provides.
6. Discovering God's Purpose Beyond Our Expectations
What began as a trip with one anticipated purpose turned into an opportunity to correct misunderstandings of Scripture in a Christian class. This unexpected assignment reminded Rev. Michele that God’s plans are often greater than what we initially perceive.
7. Returning to the Beginning of Our Confidence
The hosts encourage listeners to remember the faith they had when they first gave their lives to Christ. They discuss how confidence in God produces peace, patience, and rest, while confidence in self often leads to striving and frustration. True spiritual maturity is found in continually returning to childlike trust and dependence on God.
Key Scriptures Referenced
• Hebrews 3:14
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• John 14:1
• Hebrews 10:35-36
Memorable Takeaways
• "What God wants, He funds."
• "Where there is purpose, there is always opposition."
• "God is worthy of our trust."
• "The beginning confidence was our salvation."
• "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward."
Summary
In Part 1 of "The Beginning of Your Confidence," Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry invite listeners to examine whether their trust remains rooted in God or has slowly shifted toward self-reliance. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and honest conversation, they encourage believers to return to the simple, unwavering faith they had at the beginning of their walk with Christ. As they prepare for Part 2, they leave listeners with a challenge: keep your confidence in the Lord, trust His plans, and patiently wait for Him to fulfill His promises.
