A foolish hope can bring you confidence and happiness

I meet many discouraged people throughout the course of a given week.

Discouragement is a dangerous cancer that is easier to lay hold of than it is to remove. It is covert in its approach, practicing guerrilla warfare on its victims, sneaking in under the cover of darkness.

The Scriptures introduce us to a man named Job who lost everything. Job lost his job, his home and his children. The only things he seemed to gain were friends who blamed him for the problems that were out of his control and a wife who wanted to nag him into an early grave. There is much to learn from the life of this wealthy man who lost it all.

As you can imagine, the loss of everything brought depressive talk. Job was so discouraged that he cursed the day he was born. During this rant he was reminded of what he in the past had reminded so many others.

Confidence comes not in what is seen and touched but in deep honor of God who has created all of those things.

Typically confidence is thought of as an identifiable characteristic of those who demonstrate success in their own abilities.

The athletes' results from entering the field of competition are directly correlated to the level of confidence they have in their preparation and abilities.

The word "confidence" that Job was reminded of, though, can also be translated as folly.

During times of catastrophe those who trust in God appear foolish. (I can say that because I trust him.) After all, surely a rational person would be crushed, losing all confidence and hope at such times. But the ones who trust in God valiantly stand in foolish confidence.

Unlike athletes, their confidence rests not in their own strengths but in relying upon a strength that comes from beyond themselves.

Faith in God yields trust that he will work out all things for the good. This confidence is not a veneer of encouragement but a foundation that does not change with market conditions. It is consistent.

Foolish confidence is not looking to self, but it is a hope that rests and trusts in the God who is not changed by our circumstances but changes us through the circumstances.

Be foolish. His hope does not disappoint.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father, minister and writer. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.