Are you locked up in that prison of self-pity, feeling inadequate with every effort you make? The hope of rescue is on the way if you will glean something out of this discussion today.
No one likes the feeling of inadequacy, but they are something we must learn to handle, as none of us can avoid them permanently. Tragically, though, many people live with a cloud over their head because, in their thinking, they never measure up. For some, this may be due to childhood experiences that negatively affected their self-image.
For others, the problem stems from a lack of success related to work, relationships, marriage, parenting, or any number of things.
Paul in his second writing to the Corinthians, in the second chapter, verse numbers 14-17 deals with our Christian life.
He asks a question that points to common insecurity: "Who is adequate for these things?" (vs.16). Have you ever avoided serving the Lord in ways that challenge your comfort zone? If so, you've probably missed a tremendous opportunity to overcome feelings of inadequacy. He's promised to lead us "in triumph in Christ. (Vs.14) But unless we believe Him and step out in faith, we'll never experience the life He has planned for us.
Feeling inadequate is not a sin, but using it as an excuse is. We saw Moses in Exodus encounter with “I Am”, was given an assignment, he declined for inability to speak as well as unskilled.
God calmed him by reminding him, “And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”
When the Lord challenges you to do something that you feel is beyond your abilities, you have two options. You can focus on Christ and proceed in triumph or focus on yourself and withdraw in defeat.
It's really a matter of faith. God would never ask you to do something without empowering you to accomplish it. This doesn't necessarily mean you will do it perfectly, but each step of obedience is a victory. The alternative is to play it safe, but then you'll miss out on God's best for your life. Make a better choice from henceforth and free yourself from this prison you have been for years
PJ