inadequate | Thoughts About God

Prayer in Times of Inadequacy

Devotionals — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:06:19 +0000

After Nehemiah heard about the desperate condition of the Jews who had returned from exile to Jerusalem, his heart was burdened (Nehemiah 1:3-4). By getting his attention in this way, the Lord could reveal what He wanted Nehemiah to do. Scripture doesn’t spell out the man’s reaction on realizing that he was to be a part of the solution, but we can imagine a sense of inadequacy probably engulfed him. How could he possibly help? He wasn’t even near Jerusalem, and as a servant of the king, he didn’t have the freedom to pack up and leave.

But whenever God puts a burden on our hearts, He will open a door to accomplish His will. In this case, the Lord used Nehemiah’s sad expression and desperate prayer to prepare a pagan king to send him on his mission.

How do you respond when you sense the Lord is calling you to a task that seems beyond your abilities? Do you list all the reasons you can’t possibly do it? God already knows everything about you and the situation. He’s not asking your permission to proceed; rather, He is calling you to move forward with faith and obedience. He didn’t make an error in choosing you for the task, but you will make a huge mistake if you refuse to do it.

God will equip you for whatever He calls you to do. Because the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, we have all we need to fulfill the Lord’s mission. Instead of letting inadequacy hinder you from obeying, let it drive you to your knees so you can arise with renewed insight and power.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by permission
https://www.intouch.org/

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Stepping Up

Devotionals — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:03:49 +0000

“May the God of peace… equip you with everything good for doing His will and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him through Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 13:21

Sheila loved children. She had a natural ability to make them feel welcome as they came into daycare. Yet when she was asked to help out in Sunday School she felt inadequate and uncertain if she could teach little ones about Jesus. She was still learning herself!

Sheila reached for her Bible to take a few quiet moments with God at the end of her day. She was tired and morning came early yet she knew His Word was a lifeline to her.

As she read that verse from Hebrews, she immediately recognized the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to her. Yes, she was to teach that children’s class. If she relied on God to help her and diligently studied the lessons, He would equip her. What an amazing thought. A peace flooded her heart as she chose to step up, confirming for her that this was indeed the right decision.

Yet there was more… God also promised to work in her what was pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ. Sheila realized that God had brought this opportunity her way. He would help her do it and He would also work in her, stretching her and growing her in new ways. Excitement stirred within her.

Father God, You alone know how inadequate I feel for the task You are calling me to. Help me to have the courage to say “yes”. Flood me with Your peace as my confirmation that this is Your will for me right now. Grow my faith and my character as I allow You to work in me what is pleasing to You. Thank you for this privilege. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Overcoming the Barrier of Inadequacy

Devotionals — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 08:01:18 +0000

Read: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

No one likes feelings 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.

The area Paul deals with in today’s passage is our Christian life. He asks a question that points to a common insecurity: “Who is adequate for these things?” (v. 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,” (v. 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. 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.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission
https://www.intouch.org/

Christ in Me Working Through Me

Devotionals — Sun, 31 May 2020 08:01:01 +0000

I want to do the work of God, but often I feel so inadequate. Then I’m reminded of the words of Jesus:

“Apart from me you can do nothing I am the Vine, you are the branches, If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. John 15:5

And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
( 2 Corinthians 9:8)

Being totally dependent upon God is one of the hardest things we Christians have to do in life. We fear the helplessness of it. We want to be in control. Still God cannot work unless we surrender to Him. His way is always to work through weakness.

When we surrender to Him then He can do His work in us and through us.

By Helen Lescheid
Used by Permission

To read more of Helen’s writings go to https://www.helenlescheid.com

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