Despite Our Feelings of Inadequacy

All the talk yesterday about being a skin-deep Christian, it brought up thoughts of just what we all have going on under the surface. I know deep down I struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Sometimes I feel like I am just not capable of what God is asking of me. I just don't feel like I am good enough to carry it through.

It's a good thing for me, and the rest of us, that God works through people despite their feelings of inadequacy. He is the strength we need to do what is necessary if we can only bring ourselves to rely on Him with full faith and belief.

God has used others before us who felt inadequate. And I am sure he will continue to do so. You only have to look at the scripture pertaining to Moses to see how God works despite our feelings of inadequacy.

In Exodus 3, God appears to Moses from the burning bush. He tells him he is sending him to the Pharaoh and he is to save his people from misery and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God has given Moses a task, obviously put his faith in him. Yet what does Moses do? He asks "Who am I to do such a thing?" It just goes to show you how strong and deep our feelings of inadequacy can run when you are put to such a thing by God himself and you balk about your worthiness to complete it.

God goes on to tell him that he will stretch out his hand and perform wonders so they will know God sent him. And yet again, Moses shows his doubt. "What if they don't believe me?" He just can't seem to get past it.

In Jeremiah 1, the words of the Lord come to Jeremiah and tell him that he chose him even before he was born, before he was formed he was set apart as a prophet to the nations. Does Jeremiah assertively accept what the Lord said to him? No! He protests and says I don't know how, I am only a youth. He is saying he is too young, no one will listen to him because he hasn't the words. God assures him that He will fill his mouth with His words.

We are obviously in good company if we are having feelings of inadequacy. Let us remember that God still worked through them and put faith in them and will do so for us too. You may be saying "no, I can't"; but God is saying "yes, you can".

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:13

"Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God." 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Resources
Day 57 - Being More Than Just a Skin-Deep Christian

Bible BB - Moses

Bible Gateway - Philippians 2:13

Bible Gateway - Philippians 4:13

Bible Gateway - 2 Corinthians 3:4-5