Believing in yourself? Believing in Jesus?

“You can do it! Believe in yourself!”

How often do we say that to people?

Peter certainly believed in himself. He said, “Even if I have to die, I will follow you. Even if everyone else runs away, I won’t.”

What did Jesus say? “Yes! You can do it! Believe in yourself!”

Actually, no.

He said, “Really Peter? The truth is you will deny deny me three times.”

Talk about getting your balloon pricked.

But Jesus went told Peter and the other disciples,

Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. (John 14:1)

In other words, “Don’t get discouraged that I see your weakness. The truth is, I don’t want you to believe in your own goodness.

“Rather, believe in God. Believe in me. Believe in my goodness toward you. That though you fail, I am still preparing a place for you. That I will never abandon you.

“And by trusting, not in yourself, but in me, you will start to do all the things I do. In fact, you’ll do greater things. So take heart.”

Are you discouraged because you see your own weakness and sin?

Be encouraged. God does not want us to trust in our own goodness or strength. Instead he wants us to rest in his goodness and love toward us.

Are you discouraged because your ministry isn’t going so well. Or maybe you feel you’re not making a difference in this world for Jesus.

The answer isn’t to “do better.”

Instead, pray and connect yourself to Jesus.  Each day, plug yourself into his word. Talk to him throughout the day.

Learn to trust in his leading and rely on his power. Only then will you truly bear fruit in your life.

In short, don’t believe in yourself. Believe in Him.