Hey Friends!
Today I want to introduce you to a close friend of mine, Lynn Cowell. I’ve known Lynn for years and she’s amazing!
Lynn has a loving heart the size of Alaska and is one of the most generous people on the planet! (Hint: this week’s giveaway is an example of what I’m talking about.) Lynn is also an incredible writer and she is releasing her newest book, Make Your Move, this week.
Make Your Move is all about Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures.
Hello … where was this book 20+ years ago when I desperately needed it??? But here’s the thing. I still do and so do you, because life is full of fearful turns and failing tumbles that can make us feel insecure and doubtful. Ashamed and sometimes ready to quit.
Lynn unveils for us the keys to having bold confidence. The kind that is firmly rooted and unwavering, no matter what we’re facing. And I for one want to be a confident woman in Christ. Not just every now and then, but every single day! How about you?
Here’s just a confident slice of what I’m talking about …
Guest Post by Lynn Cowell
Fail. It’s a word I’ve heard my kids use when something goes wrong. Just plain “fail.”
It’s a word I know as well. Failure is what I felt when I’d done all I knew to do to make a large project successful. Yet, according to my measurement, I had fallen very short. All I could think was, You failed.
I found my mind swirling, trying to process what happened. Confused, I wondered, God, why didn’t You help me? The project was for Him, after all. You would think He would have stepped up and helped me, at least in the way I was looking for help.
What did I do wrong?
Maybe I’m just not cut out for this?
My confidence was gone.
Can you recall a time when you thought you were doing what God wanted you to do, yet it didn’t turn out how you anticipated? Was your confidence shaken, not just in yourself, but in God?
Friend, you are not alone. It’s so easy to lose our confidence when things aren’t going well.
When David wrote the words found in Psalm 57:7, “My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises” – words filled with faith and hope – he was hiding in a cave. Not alone, but with 400 guys who were also running from trouble, in debt or just plain discontented with life as they knew it.
Here, in this awful situation, David reaffirmed his security hadn’t changed even if his circumstances did. His confidence was still built on God.
According to my study Bible, the word “confident” in the original Hebrew means: “set in place, make secure, to be made ready, be attached.”
I love this last definition: “be attached.” My mind pictures a new bride, attached to someone who cares deeply about her, with her face glowing. Her relationship brings her confidence.
David’s relationship brought him confidence as well. Despite his horrific circumstances, David experienced security and contentment because he knew God was with him even in those circumstances.
God can make us brave whether our lives are coming together or falling apart. We can have a heart and mind that is set in place, secure and attached, even when our circumstances seem to say, “You failed.”
I want to be like David. Confidence attached to God. Unshaken by any situation or circumstances. Unable to hold back His praises.
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Has there been a time when circumstances were less than perfect and your confidence was shaken? In Make Your Move, Lynn Cowell explores how confidence-in-question keeps us from boldly experiencing what God intends for our lives. Learn more about her new Bible study HERE.
Lynn Cowell is a national conference speaker who is passionate about helping women of all ages understand the importance of Christ confidence. She is the author of several books including her newest study for women, Make Your Move: Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures, and Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You, just for girls ages 8 – 12. Lynn and her husband, Greg, have been married for over 30 years and are the parents of three young adults. They enjoy spending time together, especially when it combines the mountains, well-worn sweatshirts, and anything with chocolate and peanut butter. Connect with Lynn today at www.LynnCowell.com.
* * * * * * *Today’s Giveaway * * * * * * * *
*Update: This week’s winner is Elizabeth Weake. Congratulations Elizabeth! And thanks to everyone for leaving such great comments!
Leave a comment explaining why you’d like to win this Make Your Move bundle package and your name will automatically be entered into this week’s drawing.
**This giveaway contains one (1) book/study guide and (1) DVD
In this six-session study, Lynn will help you:
- Intentionally build your confidence on the one thing that cannot be taken from you.
- Recover from defeating decisions to move forward toward a strong self-worth.
- Position yourself to not lose your poise—even in the worst circumstances.
- Identify and address the fears that keep you stuck, with practical steps to walk in your calling with confidence.
For more information about Lynn Cowell or to order a copy of Make Your Move, click Here.
Yvonne says
Wow!!!! If not I could have the confidence to speak what I feel is my truth. God’s Truth. Truth I feel God has placed in my heart. Instead of cowering and cringing when friends of mine who have been Christians forever speak out about what they feel is Truth. Why can’t I be confident and speak out what I see as written in God’ Word then beat myself up later on for not speaking out for Jesus. My Prayer has been for God to give me boldness but with Love. I struggle with this. Please help me. Bless you
Leah DiPascal says
Yvonne, God loves when we ask Him for more courage to take the next step in our faith. Don’t feel pressured into believing that every step has to be a HUGE step. Small steps are just as important – as long as we’re making them in faith. Ask God to present an opportunity to share with one person and then when He does, respond to His invitation. Simply what God has done in your own life. Or when someone shares how they’re struggling … let them know you’ll pray for them. That one response could open the door for a conversation which would be life-giving to that person and allow you to share your faith too.
Shelia Kieser says
Today I came across your blog as I was searching “What Bible books to read when I feel lost “. Your devotional showed up and touched me deeply as it was like you wrote it for me and lead me here. I struggle with confidence internally (all except my closest confidants wouldn’t know). When the event I plan goes wrong in my eyes, as depicted here or when my children don’t make all the “right” choices. I know that I’m fearfully and wonderfully made but question if I made the right choice or if the person who put me in charge (That sometimes being God) got it all wrong. I would love to share this study with my group . Just like the original post that lead me here, this study would create so Manny “me too” moments for myself and others.
Georgette says
I would love to win this study and share with my Bible study group. For me personally, my confidence can be easily shaken when someone shares un-requested feedback. This can set me into a tailspin wondering if I’m doing the right thing, in the right position, saying the right thing, in the right place, etc. My hope is that along with prayer I will find solid Biblical truth to guide me in dealing with these situations.
Joycelyn Camper (Joy ) says
I know i`ve been called. How do i get there? My confidence is none. I am realizing I need God to do what He called me to do. As I write now I am so confused. But yet I know i need Jesus and in Him I put my trust.. I would love to read your book. I miss going to purchase it today. And once I read it is will pass it on.
Bobbi says
I want my prayers to be full of faith in God and not easy, comfortable prayers.
Elizabeth says
After 64 years, still searching for that “unshakable” confidence. The one area where I had been confident of my abilities was in my mothering. But that belief was pulverized in recent years by some of my children. What I needed to be reminded of, like so many others, is that I’ve been looking in the wrong places. THANK YOU.
Noelle says
I want to be more bolder.thank u for giving us a chance to win
Elizabeth Leake says
My daughter has been struggling for 6 years with an eating disorder. She recently dischsrged from hospital after 9 weeks. I have been trying to read God’s word with her and encourage her to lean on God. This is a study that we could do together and I know that we would both gain a lot from it. No time soent in God’s word is wasted, but having christian authors share their experiences can be so helpful. Knowing that Lynn is a friend of yours gives me the confidence that the book will be biblical and trustworthy.
Leah says
Elizabeth, I’m praying for you and your daughter today – asking our Lord to comfort, guide and strengthen both of you as you walk through this healing process together.
Sharon says
This title immediately stood out to me. For a very long time I have felt God moving me to step out more. My fears are all surrounded in the fear of not knowing enough and what ifs amongst others. Examples like what if I don’t teach something the right way or what if I fail at it. So what I do is step out just enough but not too much where if I mess up at least I can’t recover. Does that even make sense? Ugh, I know control issues maybe? Fears? Feel silly sharing that but at the same time necessary.
Regardless if I win the book or not, I’m def going to purchase it! Thank you for this giveaway opportunity and allowing us to share!!
Leah says
Sharon, putting ourselves out there can seem scary at times. But when we choose to step out in faith we get to see how God shows up and that boosts our faith even more.
Gina Fox says
I would love to win this study! I am feeling a call on my life and I continue to deal with fears and disappointments that are holding me back from this call. I would love to have this to use as a resource to acknowledge the fears I do have and press through them to the call He has for me!
Leah says
Gina, let me share what a good friend once told me that calmed my fears and doubts when stepping into my own calling. She said, “God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips those He calls.”
Donna says
My confidence is unshaken when I focus on God. I think when we allow satan a foothold to our weaknesses, and mine would be fear and confidence, he will try to turn it into a stronghold. We must take our thoughts captive in every moment of our day. Some days this is harder than others. This sounds like a great book and study and one I know I could share with a few friends in the safe place of my home knowing God will bless our time.
Leah says
Great comments Donna – thanks for sharing!
Carol says
This sounds like a good study that would help build my confidence in the Lord. As I walk through a very difficult time with my family and try to share the love of God with them this would be helpful.
Leah says
Carol, I’m praying for you and your family today.
Marik says
In the past few years I feel like the wiser and (more) obedient to God I try to live and make my decisions accordingly, the more I face failures and make mistakes (and have regrets) both in my professional life and personal. Sometimes I feel like I just wanna give up as it feels like a task I cannot conquer or wonder why it is I cannot be wiser the longer I am a Christian or maybe I misunderstood God and that I should just learn to be humble and content with my current situation, instead of striving for me.
For me, this lack of wisdom, failures and mistakes are directly linked to my confidence level- first in a sense of self-criticism and then in lack of brevity (or confidence) to try again at something especially if I’ve failed a number of times in these areas before and I don’t dare to hope anymore that this time around things might come out differently even though I secretly desperately desire to be proven wrong and that they would turn out different for a change 🙂 . It does not help either when others press at my weak/bruised spots which eats away more of what’s left of my confidence…
I think I am yet to learn what it is to be confident in a way that is pleasing to God and good for me too, without caving in to the enemy’s attacks or other people’s criticism. But I looove the title of the book! I am so glad it is out and would love to read it.
Leah says
Marik, I’ve experienced failures too. And I’ve learned that getting back up again, while trusting that Jesus stands with me, provides the God-confidence I need to keep trying over and over again.
Lena says
THIS! I have always had a struggle with confidence. It usually manifests in hearing a calling and then “freezing” in fear of failure. Or starting and not finishing. Thanks for the reminder that my confidence is found in the Lord!
Lynn Cowell says
Thank you so much for sharing, Leah! What a great friend you are and a true example of a woman who has built her confidence on Christ! I love you, friend!
Leah says
Lynn, it’s an honor to share your book with my readers. The truths tucked inside of Make Your Move will bring so much freedom, joy, security, and confidence to every person who reads it. I’ve watched you live this message out in so many ways and I couldn’t be more excited to help you share it with the world! Love ya much. 🙂
Nichole Buchanan says
I would be honored to share in this study. I struggle with confidence on a daily basis. I try to find it in all the wrong places. What a great reminder that our true confidence can only come from Him and Him alone. No one or no physical thing on this earth can give us what He can give us. I know this but man is it hard to live this. I would love to be a part of this study and share with my life group so that we can all grow in our confidence in God together.
Leah says
You’re right Nicole. Our lasting confidence can only come from Him. Thank you for sharing!
Heidi says
Wow… confidence attached to god. What an incredible thought that really resonated with me. I’d love to have that relationship with my god. This sounds like an amazing study that I’d love to participate in!
Leah says
Heidi, when our confidence is rooted in the Lord (instead of in other people and other things) as we seek His will for our lives, He richly rewards us. Take a look:
Hebrews 10:35-36 says, “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”