Who in the Bible had confidence in God?

Confidence is a quality that enables individuals to face difficult circumstances, make bold decisions, and persevere through adversity. In the Bible, many figures demonstrated remarkable confidence—not in themselves, but in God. Their unwavering trust in God’s character, promises, and power became the foundation for their courage and actions. This blog post explores some of the most notable biblical examples of confidence in God, drawing lessons for our own faith journeys.

Abraham: Trusting God’s Promises

Abraham, often called the father of faith, is a prime example of confidence in God. When God called him to leave his homeland for an unknown destination, Abraham obeyed without hesitation. Later, God promised Abraham that he would become the father of a great nation, despite his advanced age and Sarah’s barrenness.

Romans 4:20-21 captures Abraham’s confidence: “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Abraham’s confidence was rooted in his belief that God’s word could be trusted, no matter how impossible the circumstances appeared.

David: Facing Giants with Faith

David’s confrontation with Goliath is one of the most famous stories of confidence in God. While the Israelite army cowered in fear, the young shepherd boy stepped forward with nothing but a sling, five stones, and faith in God. David declared to Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (1 Samuel 17:45). David’s confidence was not in his own ability, but in God’s power to deliver. His victory over Goliath became a testament to what can happen when one places their trust in God rather than in human strength.

Daniel: Unshaken in the Lion’s Den

Daniel’s life in Babylon was marked by unwavering confidence in God. When a royal decree forbade prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel continued his daily prayers to God, knowing the penalty was death in the lions’ den. Daniel’s peace in the face of danger was a direct result of his trust in God’s sovereignty. God honored Daniel’s confidence by shutting the mouths of the lions, making Daniel’s deliverance a powerful witness to the faithfulness of God (Daniel 6). Daniel’s story encourages believers to remain steadfast, even when faithfulness to God brings us into conflict with the world.

Esther: Courage in the Face of Death

Queen Esther risked her life to save her people from destruction. When she learned of Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews, Esther faced a crucial decision: remain silent and safe, or approach the king uninvited—a crime punishable by death. After fasting and seeking God’s wisdom, Esther boldly declared, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Esther’s confidence in God gave her the courage to act, leading to the salvation of her people. Her story demonstrates the power of trusting God with the outcomes, even when the risks are high.

Peter: Stepping Out on the Water

In the New Testament, Peter’s willingness to step out of the boat and walk on water toward Jesus is a vivid picture of confidence in God. At Jesus’ invitation, Peter left the safety of the boat and walked on the waves. While he faltered when he took his eyes off Jesus, Peter’s initial steps were an act of bold faith (Matthew 14:28-31). This episode highlights the importance of focusing on God rather than our fears, and the way confidence grows as we respond to God’s call.

Paul: Boldness in Preaching the Gospel

The Apostle Paul’s entire ministry was characterized by confidence in God, regardless of persecution or hardship. Paul traveled throughout the Roman world, proclaiming the gospel in the face of opposition, imprisonment, and even threats to his life. In 2 Timothy 1:12, Paul wrote, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” Paul’s confidence empowered him to endure suffering and continue his mission with joy and perseverance.

Lessons for Today

The stories of Abraham, David, Daniel, Esther, Peter, and Paul reveal that confidence in God is not based on circumstances or personal strength, but on the unchanging character and promises of God. When we face uncertainty, fear, or opposition, we can look to these examples for encouragement. Like them, we are invited to place our trust in God, confident that he is with us, for us, and able to accomplish his purposes in and through us.