Developing Confidence in God
Transcribed by: Gregg Stone
Daniel Sirstad
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your ministry.
I am licensed with the UPCI (35 years) I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and I am the Executive Director of DayStar Ministries (a counseling center for Apostolics). I do long distance counseling using video technology and will come onsite to counsel as well.
I travel, doing onsite teaching on topics such as marriage and family as well as emotional topics including shame, depression, fear & anxiety, etc. My primary burden/concern is the husband and wife relationship although I do work with individual situations as well.
1. What do you mean by developing confidence in God and how does a person accomplish this?
I suppose what I really mean is developing confidence in the God in me. There is a difference. Really, it’s easier to have confidence in God working through the church in general and pretty much everybody else, except me. That’s what I’m talking about. Having confidence in the God in me, working in me and through me.
Paul wrote in Philemon 1:6 (KJV), “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
By actively acknowledging every good thing which is in me in Christ Jesus, I build confidence in the God in me, thereby allowing me to be more effective.
2. Have you experienced this yourself? How did it impact you?
Absolutely! I have been involved in ministry for over 35 years now. During that time, I have never doubted the existence of God. I have never doubted the power of God. I have never doubted the miraculous and healing power of God. I have never doubted that God uses people to do awesome things. But, for much of that time, I have doubted that God uses me to do awesome, powerful things. In other words, I have doubted the God in me.
It is really in the last few years that I have noticed a change. I work with many critical situations in the area of Pastoral Counseling. Most of the people I work with are senior church leaders. At one point this would have made me nervous—not now. Sometimes I am the last stop before the court system and in the past I may have questioned my involvement—not now. I do these things and more because of the confidence I have developed in the God in me.
3. What are some areas that people need to develop confidence in God in?
I would say the primary area would be developing a belief that God loves them. There is a difference between God loving the world and God loving me. As basic as this sounds it can be very complex. People need to have confidence that the God in them, loves them.
Another area is their place in ministry. Most portray confidence in what they do. However, many lack a confidence within and would be mortified if anyone were to find that out. Being transparent and vulnerable is not something most excel in.
We know God is a necessary part of what we do but we may question if we are a necessary part of what God does. I don’t mean the Church in general—I mean us specifically. I have heard for years that if I don’t do what God calls me to do that, He will have someone else do it. I don’t believe that entirely. Some things can be done by others but there is only one me and there are some things that if I don’t do will not get done.
To accomplish what God has called me to do, I must have confidence that I actually can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
4. Why do you feel people struggle with this?
Doubt is a big reason for this struggle. They doubt God would use them. They doubt themselves. This stems from a fear of rejection. How will they look to others when they fall flat on their face and blow it? The struggle, as with many things, is between the ears. When people entertain these thoughts, they are imprisoned by them. Those perceptions are rarely accurate.
Another reason people may struggle is a false sense of pride. We are not to think more of ourselves than we should but neither are we to think less of ourselves than we should.
5. What are the benefits of this?
When people develop a confidence in the God in them, it is a life-changer. Their belief system changes. Fear of failure diminishes. Fear of success evaporates.
As you step out in faith and do something no matter how insignificant, you will see God always does His part. Something awesome happens as you allow the God in you to be active. You begin to do even greater things because confidence in God is growing.
6. Is this more in line for ministers or is it for everyone?
This is for “whosoever will.” Every child of God, regardless of their place in the Body, has the call of God on their life. God has a plan for each one of us. Whether that plan is fulfilled or not is not up to God. He has already ordained it to be. It is up to us to actively pursue the plan of God in our life.
7. Have you witnessed people that have developed this in their life? How did it help them?
Definitely. I cannot fully express how rewarding it is to watch the transformation in a life. God’s Word is true. When we believe, actively believe His Word, we cannot stay the same. I have witnessed pillars of the church grow into the plan that God has for them. Just because a talent has been buried does not mean it has to stay buried. I have watched people take that hidden talent and allow God to bring it to light. Not only has this been beneficial to the Body of Christ but it allowed confidence to grow within. The result personally is a deeper more vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
8. How can people contact you?
You may contact me at dsirstad@dsministries.com. Feel free to look through our website: www.dsministries.com. DayStar Ministries is a Pastoral Counseling Center staffed by Apostolics trained to meet the needs of Apostolics. We are also available to travel to your church to minister.
Daniel Sirstad
dsirstad@yahoo.com