Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Finding Confidence in Yourself

By: Molly Kreikemeier

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

This verse has always reminded me of the unique purpose God has for each of us. Confidence, as I've learned, isn't about thinking you're better than others, but about knowing your worth without comparing yourself to anyone. As a teen girl, it's a daily challenge to maintain this mindset, especially with societal pressures and insecurities. You are constantly surrounded by adults questioning your ambitions, influencers persuading you to buy a new product to help whatever new insecurity they’ve made up, and you are set back by your own perfectionism. Being surrounded by this constant negativity can cause us to build insecurities and to lack confidence in ourselves and our abilities. However, I’ve learned that through God, I can overcome any struggle.

The verse above is a constant reminder that we are made in God's image, and we are chosen by Him for a specific purpose. Isn't being God's child reason enough to have confidence? It's a reminder that our value comes from Him, not from societal standards.

When it comes to looks, it’s important to remember that our lives won't suddenly improve with a "glow up." We are meant for more than meeting unrealistic beauty standards. True beauty comes from within. Be kind, compassionate, empathetic, respectful, faithful, and patient. Strive to represent Christ in all you do. Think about the women in the Bible; they are remembered for their actions, not their appearance. Don't let your looks consume you, but instead, focus on becoming a representation of Christ and grow your relationship with God.

When it comes to personality, be authentic to who you are. Don't change yourself to be more likable, but use your unique traits for good. Like Catherine of Siena, who used her stubbornness to influence Pope Gregory XI to move back to Rome, we can use our flaws as strengths. Embrace who God made you to be, because He created you with a purpose. When you are authentically and unapologetically yourself, you reflect God's unique creation.

If you are struggling to grow your confidence, pray for God's guidance and see yourself as He sees you. Stop comparing yourself to others, and support yourself. Practice thanking God for making you wonderfully and fearfully, because you are.

Although it isn’t very biblical, Elle Woods’ story comes to mind when I think about confidence. Elle’s peers saw the fashionable pink ensembles and bubbly personality and assumed she was just a dumb blonde. Despite everyone's doubts about Elle, she proves them wrong by getting into Harvard Law School, winning the case, and graduating top of her class at Harvard. Elle’s confidence allowed her to succeed in her life. Like Elle once said, "You must always have faith in yourself." But more importantly, we must always have faith in the God who created us.

Next time you struggle with confidence and insecurity, remember that God made you with a purpose. Don't waste energy trying to change who you are. Instead, talk to God, seek His guidance, and trust in His plan for you. He created you fearfully and wonderfully, and that is the greatest source of confidence you can have.