How can we ensure our confidence is in God, not ourselves, per 1 Kings 20:11? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 20:11: “The king of Israel replied, ‘Tell him: Let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off.’” Ben-hadad of Aram is taunting Israel before the battle even starts. Ahab’s reply cuts through the chest-thumping: the warrior who is just suiting up has no right to brag as though the victory were already his. God alone will decide the outcome. That short statement lays down a timeless principle—true confidence looks away from self and locks onto the Lord. Signs That Confidence Has Drifted to Self • Pre-battle boasting: talking as if outcomes are guaranteed because of skill, experience, or resources • Prayer as an afterthought rather than a first response • Irritation when plans are interrupted—revealing dependence on personal control • Reluctance to give God public credit when things go well • Fear or despair when personal ability is inadequate Grounding Confidence in God’s Character • His Sovereignty—Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” • His Faithfulness—Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed… great is Your faithfulness.” • His Power—Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” • His Wisdom—Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” When we meditate on who He is, self-confidence shrinks and God-confidence swells. Practical Habits That Keep the Spotlight on God Daily • Begin the day with Psalm 143:8, asking God to show the way forward. • End the day recounting specific moments where His hand was evident. Weekly • Fast from something that normally props up self-reliance—social media, news analysis, or a hobby—to remind the heart that God is the true source. • Serve in a context where personal strengths feel insufficient, forcing reliance on His enabling (2 Corinthians 12:9). In the Moment • Before any new “battle” (meeting, project, conversation), breathe a short acknowledgment: “Lord, I’m putting armor on, but victory comes from You” (cf. Proverbs 21:31). • When affirmation comes, immediately redirect praise: “The Lord made it succeed” (Genesis 24:56). Guardrails Against Subtle Boasting • Use “we” and “He” more than “I.” • Keep testimonies factual and God-centered, avoiding exaggeration. • Celebrate others’ successes as God’s victories, not threats to personal status. • Maintain open accountability with trusted believers who can flag creeping pride. Living 1 Kings 20:11 Today—A Quick Checklist ✓ Have I prayed before I planned? ✓ Did I quote Scripture to steady my heart instead of rehearsing my résumé? ✓ When victory came, did I give God public credit on the spot? ✓ If setbacks hit, did I still affirm His sovereignty? ✓ Am I more impressed with Christ than with myself right now? As the verse reminds us, only the soldier who has taken his armor off after the battle—having seen God carry him through—has any grounds to speak of victory. Keep fastening confidence to the One who never loses. |
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