When You Feel Inadequate – Week Two

Do you ever get frustrated with the areas you fall short? I know when I feel inadequate I often yield to negativity. Sometimes I give into fear and worry. Other times I stay on the sidelines instead of engaging in the opportunities in front of me. There are days when I get upset with other people or even feel that God is asking too much of me. Can you relate?

What would happen if we changed our mindset?

What if we exchanged our frustrations for a sense of expectation?

What if we began to see our weaknesses as the perfect backdrop God to work?

The Bible tells us about a time when Paul visited the Corinthian church but felt weak, fearful, and inadequate. However, instead of failing his assignment, we understand through his visit there was a display of God’s power and the Holy Spirit.

If you continue reading, Paul gives a deeper explanation of why – “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.” (I Corinthians 2:5 NASB) Because it was clear Paul didn’t have it all together, when God moved, none of the credit went to Paul. Instead of Paul’s weakness holding God back, it paved the way for God to shine brightly.

The thing that appears to hold us back might be the very thing God uses to show His power.

One of the most well-known stories is that of David and Goliath. Even though I have been taught the story since I was a child and have heard countless lessons based on this text as an adult, it resonates with me over and over again.

The story of David begins with the prophet Samuel searching for a new king. God sends Samuel to a family with eight sons. David is such an unlikely candidate for the position that his father forgets all about him. While the other sons are paraded before Samuel, David is out tending the sheep. Yet, David, the youngest, the unlikely, the inexperienced, is the one God chooses.

Listen to what the Bible says about David, “the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward.” (1 Samuel 16:13) Just like with Paul, this young man’s weakness did not stop God from working. Instead, God’s Spirit showed up, God’s Spirit filled him up, and God’s Spirit showed off.

It wasn’t long before David’s people (Israel) were at war with a neighboring nation. The Philistines were known for strength and brutality. Daily the champion of their army, Goliath, would come out mocking the Israelites. Even the strongest in the Israelite army were afraid and trembling.

Then David came on the scene. He quickly volunteers to fight the giant. Despite the doubt of others, he was not concerned about his lack. Before long, David is facing off with Goliath. I want you to listen closely to his words to this giant, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel… that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel… for the battle is the LORD’s and He will give you into our hands.” (I Samuel 17:45-47)

That day God did not deliver His people through a mighty warrior. Instead, He used a man who was considered too young by the army, who was overlooked by his own family, but who was full of God’s Spirit. Not only did David’s victory display the power of God that day, centuries later you and I are still encouraged by this encounter.

If David had focused on his shortcomings, I doubt he would have made it to the battlefield. But David had a different framework for his decision making. He knew that God had no need for man’s power or strength. Instead, he focused on how powerful his God was.

Where are you feeling inadequate today? Are you allowing what seems like shortcomings or weakness to hold you back? Or are you trusting in an all-powerful God?

Right where you are, no matter the challenge, your weaknesses are the perfect backdrop God to display His power.