Adequate or Inadequate?

Life presents us with huge challenges . . . and when challenges come our way we often measure ourselves against the standard of "adequacy or inadequacy." In other words, we take on challenges we feel adequate for. When we don't feel adequate we take a different direction. Sometimes a facade goes up; we say, "That's not my calling." or "I don't feel led to do that."  At times those statements are true, but many times we keep challenges or opportunities at bay because we don't feel adequate to meet the challenge.

Feelings of inadequacy are a very sharp, two-edged sword. When we feel inadequate about something it can keep us from stepping out in faith. Our fear of failure or disappointment, because of a sense of inadequacy can paralyze us to the point we let incredible opportunities pass by. When we only pursuit things that we feel we are adequate to accomplish, it often negates God from showing His strength and power to do the impossible . . . we stay contained in the world of 'lesser'  . . . less of God and more of us.  

That's the opposite of how Jesus told us to be, John said, "I must decrease and He [Christ] must increase." The other edge of inadequacy is God's reality. When we feel inadequate to do what God has asked us to do we are actually in a great position. Its a place of humility and reality, a place of recognizing our limitations and faith-ing that God can do the impossible. Its a place where we begin to recognize God's awesome strength and limitless power . . . its the recognition that nothing is impossible with Him.

Today, God may be asking you to step out in faith, and you may feel inadequate to accomplish the task.  Truth is, you probably are inadequate . . . adequacy doesn't require faith. But just as my friend Thom reminded me of a few days ago, Moses felt inadequate, but God chose him anyway . . . and He's choosing you. Your sense of inadequacy will either paralyze you spiritual or it will cause you to trust Him more.  Afterall, isn't that where He wants us to be . . . fully devoted to Him. Step out today, let your sense of inadequacy push you toward God and watch what He can accomplish through you.

Application ::

- Are you battling with a sense of inadequacy?

- Which way is it pushing you?

- Have you asked God for the strength to trust Him in those situations?

- How has your faith grown through inadequacy?

Would like to hear how God is working in your life, please share.