Confident Like a Tootsie Pop
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)/ Pixabay
Do you remember getting a Tootsie Pop when you were a child? Their commercial challenged us to find out how many licks it took to get to the Tootsie Roll center; so we’d carefully start counting trying to keep the hard outside intact. Before too long though, the inevitable happened and CRUNCH! The covering cracked and we found the chewy center.
When it comes to being confident, I’m kind of like a Tootsie Pop. Maybe, you are too! On the outside, I appear solid, sure of myself. As I lead a meeting, present a children’s sermon, speak to a crowd, or visit someone who’s in need, it looks as if I’m that rock-like sphere atop a sturdy stick: assured and fearless. In reality however, I’m nothing but that soft, gooey center: insecure and scared, hiding behind a sugar-coated shell.
I’ve often wished to have true confidence, to be certain and bold in my abilities. But lately I’ve begun to look at it in a different way. When I’m in the midst of a situation or task where I don’t feel self-assured but am still able to handle it, I’ve found my focus turning from myself to saying things like: “To God be the glory”, “The Holy Spirit guided my words”, and “This was an answer to my prayer”.
“But he replied, ‘My gift of underserved grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.’ So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (CEB)
God has been showing me once again that it’s not about me! I’m learning that even though we may not be sure of ourselves in all areas of life, God can use that “soft middle” to teach us about His power in our weakness. What a comfort to know, confident or not, Christ is the one who makes us strong!
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? I don’t know. Lots, I’m sure. What does it take to uncover and use each of our soft centers? That I do know! Our One and Only God! And He won’t stop until our work is finished. Now that’s something we can really sink our teeth into!
Joining up with http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and http://www.anitaojeda.com today to write on the prompt “Confident”. Why don’t you “pop” or “roll” on over and see what others have written about!
What a wonderful article! I’ve never thought of God being with us in that way especially since I have a sweet-tooth for lollipops. Now I’ll be reminded of how your article illustrates that whenever I have a lollipop.
Thank you. Adrienna! I am still learning to give my weaknesses over to God but I’m confident He can use yours and mine to do great things!! I so appreciate you taking your time to comment!
Being from the UK, I didn’t know what Tootsie Pop was, but I like the illustration! It is encouraging to remember that though we may feel weak in ourselves, God clothes us with his strength and power. It definitely gives me confidence to remember that he is with me!
It’s hard for my little, old-fashioned mind to wrap around the fact that people in other countries read my random thoughts! Wow! I’ll have to remember that when using my crazy examples. I never ever thought I’d write about a Tootsie Pop but that’s what came to mind so I went with it! It always amazes me to see how God can use us even when we think we could never accomplish the task! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! It means a lot to me, Lesley!
What a nice reminder that God is there for us at all times. He gives us what is needed for the moment we are in.
It is a blessing to me when I stop and remember God can use me in all my weakness!! Thanks for taking your time to stop in Pam!