"In God's presence I have such confidence through Christ, not because we possess self-sufficiency to form personal judgments; but because our sufficiency is God-given" ~ 2 Corinthians 3:4-5, Berkeley
One of the great heart-cries of men and women everywhere and under all circumstances is for "confidence." Sometimes it seems that the whole world trembles from fear. When we can't find any other explanation for some one's difficulty, we say "insecurity." And it's usually right. Some "insecurity" shows itself in cringing and shyness. Some in egotism and boasting. Mine [Eugenia Price, the author's] was the latter. Yours may show itself in timidity and withdrawal. No matter. Neither of us needs to continue in a state of "no confidence"
Paul sings out joyfully in our "red stone" verse above that "In God's presence" he has "confidence through Christ." We can sing out in confidence too. Through Christ.
If only there were adequate words to express to you how my own life has been changed because of the realization that I cannot get out of His presence. If we could see Him with our eyes, or feel His strong hand holding ours, or actually hear His voice with our ears, we'd have supreme confidence for anything. But look at us cringing or boasting, showing everyone around us that we dread life and fear it, even though we call ourselves Christians. "For I say to your shame, some have no sense of divine Presence." Paul is right. We must listen to him. "In god's presence I have such confidence through Christ ... I can do all things through Christ ..." And no one can get out of His presence. We have His own word for it:
"... Lo, I am with you always ..."
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