When You Feel Inadequate – Week One

You might be one of those people who have it all together, who always feels confident, who knows exactly where you going. If you are – I am truly happy for you, but I’m afraid I can’t relate.

More often than not I am convinced that I don’t have what it takes. When I look at the path in front of me I feel inadequate, lacking, and under-qualified. I frequently wonder if everyone else can see all the ways I fall short.

Just last week I was sitting on my couch preparing a lesson to teach in Cuba. Well, actually I should say I was attempting to prepare a lesson. In reality, I was talking to God about how I just didn’t have it in me. Physically I was exhausted. Emotionally I was spent. Spiritually I sensed I was falling short. Who am I to teach others? What do I have to say? Can my words make a difference?

As I sat there praying and contemplating, God used the very topic I was studying to refresh and renew my soul. The Spirit reminded me – It is not about me. It is about God working in me.

The upcoming conference I am teaching at is all about being full of the Spirit, and I was completely missing the point.

God does not need me to have it all together. He does not need me to be strong. He does not need me to have all the answers. He wants me to be full of the Spirit.

Spiritual strength is not founded in our physical ability or our intelligence. Our influence is not based on our great personality or our powers of persuasion. Talent is never the basis for God’s favor.

Over the next few weeks, we are going to be talking about working through our inadequacies. There are many facets to this discussion and multiple things we can consider. However, today I want to give you just one key thought – Our strength is not a prerequisite for God to work.

Jesus challenged the disciples with what seemed like an impossible task, “he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.” (John 14:12 NASB) However, He did not expect the disciples to do this on their own. In fact, He knew they never could.

Quickly, Jesus explained how these greater works would happen, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.” (John 14:16) Jesus was not unaware of their weaknesses and shortcomings, just like He is not unaware of ours.

I remember when I was in my twenties being placed in a leadership role that was far beyond my ability or qualifications. Looking back I still have a hard time believing I was entrusted with such a great responsibility. In those days one of my favorite passages of Scripture was 1 Corinthians 2. I read it over and over, finding great comfort in the words of Paul. Today, I still find comfort as I continue to learn this truth.

Here Paul is describing his visit to the church with words such as trembling, weakness, and fear. Even though he is the author of much of the New Testament, he explains that he did not have superior speech, great wisdom, or persuasive words. Instead, he came “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” (I Corinthians 2:4)

Paul recognized that God’s work in the Corinthian church was not because he was great. Instead, it was because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Even in the times when Paul didn’t have the right words or confidence in himself, God showed up.

It was not about Paul; it was about the Holy Spirit working in Paul. And it is not about you or me; it is about God’s Spirit working in us.

Today, if you are feeling inadequate, I pray this truth will refresh your soul. When you don’t feel equal to the task or wonder if you can perform up to others’ expectations, I hope that you will turn to God. Instead of giving up, press in and look to the One who is strong.

Do not limit God by your limitations. Remember, your strength is never a prerequisite for God to work.