Unshackled Confidence: A Personal Journey of Faith and Transformation
Welcome to this weekend’s faith conversation. Today, I want to do something a little different. Instead of jumping straight into a topic or a guest, I feel compelled to share my personal testimony—my story of faith, struggle, and ultimately, freedom.
My name is Sarah Rose, and while I usually host the Fearlessly Unshackled Faith Conversations, today I want to be the one opening up about my journey.
The Heart of Confidence
Over the past month, a recurring theme has been pressing on my heart: confidence. It’s a word that keeps coming up in conversations, in prayer, and in reflection. About three weeks ago, I helped host an event called Your Fees Are Paid, a day of barrel racing instruction and equine care, open to kids and young adults aged 7 to 20. The event was full of learning, fun, and faith. During a survey, I asked attendees what they hoped to gain from the experience, and time after time, the word “confidence” appeared—regardless of age. It struck me: even as adults, we are all seeking to build or regain confidence.
But what does confidence truly mean?
According to Webster’s Dictionary, confidence involves being aware of one’s power or reliance on circumstances. But what does God say about confidence?
What Does the Bible Say About Confidence? The Bible speaks of confidence in many ways—trusting in God's promises, approaching Him boldly, and maintaining faith in His power and love even amidst trials. Confidence in the Word of God is rooted in trusting His character and His promises. It’s about relying on His truth rather than our fluctuating feelings or circumstances.
When I reflect on confidence through a spiritual lens, I see it as reliance on God's unchanging nature. Confidence isn’t about self-reliance or bravado; it’s about trusting in the One who is faithful—who promises to be with us, to strengthen us, and to love us unconditionally.
My Personal Testimony
If you don’t know my story, I want to share a bit of my journey—to give context for today’s message. I grew up in a loving, faith-filled home. My family was blessed in many ways, and I had opportunities to dream, explore, and simply be a child. I felt secure and confident in my early years. But as I approached my teenage years, things started to shift. I looked outside of my relationship with God and began to compare myself to others—media, peers, societal standards. Suddenly, I didn’t see myself as the beautiful, confident girl I once was. Instead, I began to listen to voices of doubt and shame. The enemy’s whispers crept in, telling me I wasn’t good enough, pretty enough, or worthy of love. This internal battle led me down a destructive path—anorexia took hold of my life, and for nearly thirty years, I struggled with it off and on. Control became my refuge, food and thinness my coping mechanisms. I thought if I could control my body, I could control my life. But underneath the surface, I was losing myself, my confidence, and my sense of worth.
Breaking Free and Rebuilding Confidence in Christ
It wasn’t until I encountered God's love in a new way—through seeds planted by faithful friends and through a personal journey of rediscovering who Jesus truly is—that I began to experience real freedom. Early encounters with people like Murray and Lynn McKenzie, who taught me about a relationship with God rooted in love and intimacy, started to plant seeds in my heart. I realized I had been following religious rules but missing the relationship that Jesus offers—an unshakeable love and acceptance. As I began to seek Him through His Word and through Spirit-led teachings, I started to understand that my worth is not based on what I do or how I look, but on who He says I am. I learned that Jesus died to free me from shame, guilt, and bondage—whether that be addiction, fear, or self-doubt.
God’s Love and Our Identity
Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We are loved, chosen, and adopted into God's family. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are His workmanship, created for good works beforehand ordained by Him. When I grasped that truth—that I am His beloved daughter—the chains of shame and doubt began to fall away. My confidence no longer depended on my own strength but on His love and grace. I learned to stand in the truth that I am seen, known, and loved by God—not because of my achievements, but because of His grace.
Walking on Water: A Lesson in Faith and Confidence
One of my favorite stories in Scripture is Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). When Peter saw Jesus, he asked to come to Him on the water. Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter stepped out in faith. But when he looked at the storm around him, he began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out, caught him, and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” This story reminds me that confidence in Christ is about keeping our eyes on Him, especially amid life’s storms. When we focus on Jesus, we can walk on water—literally and metaphorically. But when we look at our circumstances, doubts creep in, and we sink. God invites us to step out in faith, to trust Him fully.
Confidence is built when we remember that He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5), and apart from Him, we can do nothing.
You Are Not Forsaken
No matter what you’re going through—struggles with sin, addiction, doubts, or fears—know that you are not forsaken. You are loved beyond measure. You are His child, created for purpose and equipped with His Spirit. Ephesians 2:4-10 emphasizes that it is by His grace, not our works, that we are saved. Our identity is rooted in Christ, and our confidence must come from Him, not from ourselves or the world.
A Call to Trust and Relationship God doesn’t want us to just check boxes or perform religious duties. He desires a relationship—one where we know His love, trust His promises, and walk boldly in the confidence that only He can provide.
As I close, I want to encourage you: whatever is holding you back—fear, shame, doubt—release it to Jesus. Ask Him to help you see yourself through His eyes. Seek Him daily through prayer, His Word, and Spirit-led community.
Final Reflection Remember
Peter’s story. Jesus is inviting you to step out of your boat—your comfort zone—and walk with Him. When you stumble, cry out, “Lord, save me,” and He will reach out His hand.
Our confidence is rooted in Christ alone—His love, His sacrifice, His victory over sin and death. Rest in that truth, and let His Spirit build your faith, your confidence, and your identity as a beloved child of God.
Prayer
Jesus, I thank You for loving us unconditionally. I pray for everyone listening—those tangled in lies of shame, fear, or doubt—that they would encounter Your love in a new way today. Help us to see ourselves as You see us: loved, redeemed, and confident in Your grace. Strengthen our faith, remind us of our true identity in You, and guide us to walk boldly on the water with You. We trust in Your goodness and Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today. Remember, you are fearlessly unshackled because of His love. Next week, we’ll return with our regular guest lineup. Until then, walk in confidence—rooted in Christ.