Confidence is not something we are born with. It is a trait developed through traversing difficult situations or problems and overcoming them. Confidence is a byproduct of problem-solving and perseverance, and therefore it cannot simply be “given.” It must be built — slowly, intentionally, and often through resistance.

It is Biblical to pursue that which is uncomfortable. God does not call us to sit idly by in our comfortable ivory towers and be peacefully living in bliss. He calls us into the mud, into the ugly, and to standing against the world in a way that honors him. We are called to a God-honoring adventure towards transformation. In order to succeed, we must become strong people. But what is being strong, and how does that honor God?

As is common, having a child has changed my perspective quite a bit. A forbidding theme has been lingering in my mind these last few months.