Recently, I was told of a young man who was about to graduate with a degree in medicine who stated he had zero confidence. He was scared he would make mistakes and was also concerned of being successful. He, like so many young people, is struggling with self-confidence. They don’t believe in themselves and are afraid of what success might bring.
I grew up in a generation that had just ended World War II and the Korean War. There were hundreds of thousands of G.I.s returning from the battle fields and war zones. Many had been shot at, some injured and some had to kill the enemy. They learned to be brave, independent, become team players and many became leaders. A few skirmishes and they learned to overcome fear. Like King David, after a battle or two, they were ready to fight a bear or a lion with their bare hands. Many took advantage of the G.I. Bill that provided a college education.
When many of these veterans graduated they were ready to take on the world. They may have had a temporary uneasiness in a new position but it didn’t take long to overcome any question as whether they were up to the job. In fact, many went into business for themselves and became very capable and prosperous entrepreneurs.

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Joshua 1:7 – “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.” NLT

Many Christians think that they must use the world’s standards, be overly ambitious, know the right people, get a break and they will be successful. God tells us that becoming successful and prosperous isn’t easy. But we must be strong and courageous, obey God’s laws and His Spirit will be with us to help us along the way.

Philippians 4:13 – “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” NLT
Much of success comes from one’s attitude. If you question every decision, you may be afraid to take risks. Whether it be sports or a career, the more preparation and the more confident one becomes the easier it is to take risks. We learn from geniuses that you must be willing to fail if you ever want to become a success. They won’t throw you in jail or beat you for failing.

Young people today have had life fairly easy. They did not grow up on farms or learn how to work. They have depended on parents, teachers or bosses to make decisions for them. Many really are unable to differentiate between right and wrong. They have not been confronted with tough decisions. They probably have not had the opportunity to become independent or really ever challenged. It seems to take longer for many young people to mature and take life seriously. They have never had to struggle or been truly tested. Too often they have become what they were programmed to become by parents and others. It is difficult for them to do as Paul taught that we are to be transformed or renew our minds to the ways of Christ. Christians must be re-programmed and willing to do so.

Have you ever wondered why God allowed bad things to happen or punished people that He later planned to use in His ministry? If you have never faced defeat, have never failed, didn’t have to struggle to receive your education you may not be prepared to achieve success or prosperity. This is why I believe so many young adults lack confidence. However, those who have studied God’s Word and have a personal relationship with Christ and the Holy Spirit have a real advantage. Here is your advantage:

If you will allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, He will help you to make right decisions, improve your productivity and improve your relationships with others. For those who are inclined to ask: “What good is an advantage that the Holy Spirit gives to Christians if it doesn’t translate into success every time?” I offer the following rather homespun explanation. The Christian who depends upon the Holy Spirit is sensitive to His leading and is like the athlete who listens to an experienced coach. The coach can’t guarantee an athlete’s induction into the Hall of Fame, nor can he guarantee a gold medal for the athlete, but he can train him and teach him everything he knows, giving him every advantage, allowing him to consistently do his best. The Christian advantage does not guarantee presidencies, chairmanships, wealth, achievement awards, fame or recognition, but it will lead the Christian into the direction that fulfills his God-given purpose.

Those who will trust the promises God makes to each believer and have a close personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, will get further ahead than those who are just saved and have not pursued God’s help.

However, if you do, don’t expect everything at first is going to be easy. Because He will test you, confront you and when He is done you will believe you have the experience of having been on the battle field. As you look back you will realize that everything you encountered was to help you be the success God had planned for you.