Episode 8 -- Spiritual Combat c4 -- How to determine if we have confidence in God

How do I know if I actually trust in God?

Having introduced us to the first two spiritual weapons, Lorenzo Scupoli thinks that it is very important that we begin with the first weapon, distrust of self, rather than the second, trust in God.

Why?

Human beings are too presumptuous; that is, we are too overconfident, assuming more about our abilities than we should. We assume, presume, that we can do things that we cannot. Unless we start with distrust of self, we end up thinking that we trust God more than we do.

How do I actually become confident in God?

If we want to have confidence in God, there are four means to obtain it.

1. Ask for confidence humbly.

2. Contemplate (lovingly ponder) God’s power and goodness as shown in the sufferings and teachings of Christ.

3. Recall all the examples in Scripture of those who trusted in God and came out victorious.

   1. Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Joshiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Peter, Paul, St Joseph

   2. Ruth, Hannah, Esther, Judith, Mary

4. At the beginning of every action, remind oneself of both our own weakness and God’s almighty power.

In this episode, we look at a method for determining whether we trust ourselves or trust in God.