The Self-Confidence Flower: From self-restriction to self-unfolding

Larch

No self confidence

Insecurity

Self-doubt, fear of failure, inadequacy

For those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them, who expect failure, who feel that they will never be a success, and so do not venture or make a strong enough attempt to succeed.

Reflection

Larch reflects expecting failure. A person holds back, sure that others are more fit and that an attempt will only confirm the fear. Scripture locates sufficiency in God rather than in a private store of confidence. Courage here is small and concrete: one attempt, made because God is able, not because a feeling of readiness arrived first.

Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:5 (KJV). "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God."

Meditation

God, my sufficiency is in You. I will take the step I have been avoiding. Go with me, and teach me to measure myself by Your strength.