"Do Not Throw Away Your Confidence"

Scripture: Hebrews 10:35

William Arthur Ward said "flatter me and I may not believe you. Criticize me and I may not like you. Ignore me and I may not forgive you. Encourage me and I will not forget you."

Charles Durham wrote an article for Intervarsity Press. In the article he tells the story of how one Saturday afternoon he watched a light-weight boxing match on television. The boxers were a 31 year old Scotsman and a 26 year old U.S. opponent. From the beginning it was clear that the U.S. boxer would easily destroy this older Scotsman. As the fight pursued and the bell rang for the second round to begin, there was an unusual sound that drowned the shouts of the U.S. fans. The Scottish crowd had started singing some Scottish song. As they sang, the Scottish boxer got faster and stronger. His feet seemed to float like a butterfly and his punches started to sting like a bee. The Scottish crowd sung some familiar song of encouragement and the Scottish boxer went on to win the fight.

Many who read this devotion are like the Scottish boxer after the first round. His first round had been rough and it looked like he would be defeated. Like the Scottish boxer, you may have felt the blows of injustice or the stinging punches of the economy. Maybe you are victim of the upper cuts of responsibilities and the right hooks of failing relationships. In fact, if the referee were to call the fight and announce your defeat you would be relieved.

As you are reading, may you hear sounds of encouragement and gain new strength. My only aim as I pen today's devotion is to admonish you to hold on to your confidence. I have joined with the heavenly host and, like the Scottish fans that supported the Scottish boxer, we are cheering you on. Do not throw away your confidence.