Self-Confidence vs. God Confidence - ReCreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley - Service March 1, 2026

Self-Confidence vs. God Confidence Speaker: Michael Shockley, ReCreate Church Scripture: 1 John 3:19-21 Episode Summary Pastor Michael shares an original Appalachian-style folk tale about a possum who tries to be clever like the fox, strong like the bear, and fast like the deer - only to discover he was made to trust God, not himself. Through 1 John's powerful message about assurance, we learn that the problem isn't our lack of abilities but where we put our confidence, and that when our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts.  Key Points – Spiritual assurance is the settled confidence that we belong to God, not a feeling we chase through emotional experiences – Our hearts often condemn us, but God sees the bigger picture - He knows how we got here, our repentance, and our future growth – The most faithful believers often have the loudest inner critic because they're sensitive to falling short of obedience – Assurance comes from how our lives are being shaped by Jesus, not from feelings or whether we "feel spiritual" today – Our identity is not tied to our biggest mistakes or victories - God sees us through Jesus, not through our performance – When we understand we're beloved children, prayer becomes conversation not negotiation, and obedience flows from joy not anxiety Main Takeaway Self-confidence rises and falls with our performance. God-confidence rests in Who we belong to. When we build confidence on ourselves - our intelligence, work ethic, reputation - life eventually knocks us flat. But God-confidence carries us through failure because it's rooted in Jesus's performance at the Cross, not ours. Your heart knows your failures; God knows your future. You don't have to be enough - Jesus is enough. Memorable Quotes – "Self-confidence rises and falls with our performance. God-confidence rests in Who we belong to." – "When our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart." – "Your heart knows your failures - God knows your future." – "I made you to trust Me and hold on." – "You don't have to perform. You're not auditioning. You're resting in Him." – "You don't have to be enough. Jesus is enough." Reflection Question Where have you been putting your confidence - in being clever, strong, or fast enough? What would change if you stopped trusting yourself and started trusting that God made you to hold on to Him? Tune in to hear the delightful original folk tale "Faith Like a Possum" featuring bobcats, bee stings, and cold creek water, Pastor Michael's vulnerability about picking apart his own Sunday performance, and why the most faithful believers often struggle most with self-condemnation. Connect & Give Learn more about ReCreate Church at www.recreatechurch.org Give online easily and securely through Tithe.ly