by Cheryl Abney

Created on: June 06, 2010   Last Updated: September 24, 2010

You have done the demanding work for an educational scholarship or job; written the application letter, completed your resume, and provided several reference letters and a sample of your workmanship. Then you waited and perhaps debated your decision to even apply. While you waited a response, your self-confidence may have lagged. You may have convinced yourself that the scholarship committee or prospective employer passed you over. You may have second thoughts or misgivings about whether you are worth investing in.

Be assured that no one ever realized their potential without pushing himself or herself beyond their comfort zone. No one ever became a success without sacrificing time and effort. No one ever grew in their Christian faith without believing that someone, God, cared enough to reach out and help. You have a support network in friends, family and professionals who stand in the gap, eager to help you develop and apply your personal assets. Pursuing a new endeavor does not come without considering the demands, but you are fully capable of achieving your dream. Put aside any doubt and fear to develop your strengths and talents with an attitude of winning. Lyrics of an old Youth for Christ song encourage us to . . .

“Run the race with the thought of winning,

By God’s grace given in the beginning.

He will keep His eyes on you,

And give you the victory.”

Consider some conflicting thoughts that may be nibbling away at your self-confidence. Armed with faith, diligence and ambition, you will realize your full potential. Examine each of these attributes in light of your personal pursuit.

1 ) Faith vs. fear.  Remember the day you submitted your application – the accomplishment, the anticipation, the hope and prayers. Nurture that feeling of success and don't give fear an edge. Our God is a God of faith, not fear. He encourages you to:

“Fear not, neither be fainthearted. . . “(Isaiah 7:4 KJV)

“Be strong and of good courage. (Deut. 31:6)

2 ) A job well done vs. unfulfilled life work. There is a Bible parable about three servants given talents (money). The story explains the result of using their talents well or wasting them. The servant that showed no profit was called lazy and punished. To the servant that turned his talent into profit, the lord of the servants said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25:21) Similarly, it is commendable when your talents and skills grow to benefit

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