I am not entirely sure when a book has touched me more. If I could have highlighted this entire book, I would have. The Confident Heart by Renee Swope is a book that every Christian woman should read. To preface, I am a worrier, a comparer, a feeling not enough-er. I would almost always doubt myself saying things like "I'm not pretty enough," I'm not smart enough or qualified enough to do this particular task." I believed these lies I was telling myself. Until I read this book, and it completely changed my way of thinking.For example, I have always had this hang up about what other people think of me. Do they think I'm weird for knowing a lot about sports? Do they think I'm strange because I am trying to save money and still live at home with my parents? What do people think that I am substitute teaching still, 5 years after graduating college? I read this quote: 'We become overly concerned about what others think of us instead of what God thinks about us." Other opinions don't matter, God's opinion matters. He's in complete control of my life anyway, so why am I trying to please other people, when I should be pleasing Him?
I'm a planner. I like to know what I am going to be doing throughout the week. Surprises aren't my thing. I love a routine, so not knowing what my future holds is terrifying. When am I going to get a full time job? Get married? Buy a house? Have children? Questions I ask myself at least three times a week. Not understanding why these things haven't happened yet. Again, Renee had a quote to address this exact issue "God doesn't promise understanding, He promises peace in the midst of not understanding."
I could go on and on about this book and how much it has touched my heart. The Confident Heart has a prayer at the end of each chapter to pray, and also reflection and discussion questions. This book would be great to do in a women's Bible Study! I loved this book so much that I am ordering the 60 day devotional next!
If you have read this book, I'd love to hear what you thought about it! Go on and leave me a comment!
