Posts Tagged ‘inadequacy’

Human Strength Means Nothing in God’s Economy

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

The countdown continues. Tomorrow’s the day we board the plane and head overseas again, and, in all honesty, I don’t feel ready. Spiritually, so-so. Physically and mentally, no.

Eastern Europe, here we come!

Maybe that’s because I leave wondering whether or not we’ve planned enough crafts. We want our camps to be fun, after all. We certainly don’t want people sitting around and feeling bored. And so I worry about that little detail.

Maybe it’s because I struggle with feelings of inadequacy re: teaching English classes, even though it’s fairly simple and straightforward. Maybe it’s because I know I’m facing five weeks of trying to communicate in languages other than my own, and I sometimes wonder if the nationals think I’m a knucklehead if I can’t understand what they say.

Or perhaps it’s because I’ve done these trips many times before, and on each one, I’ve encountered spiritual warfare that’s left me feeling trampled and in a deep, dark pit for hours or, in one case, for four days. I don’t even know how to describe it—it felt so evil that it took two months for me to even talk about it with anyone other than my husband.

For whatever reason, I’m feeling very s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d today. And so, this verse is the one I’m claiming for the next five weeks:

“He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love” (Psalm 147:10,11).

I acknowledge that the days ahead will require ‘way more human strength than I can muster. I’m counting on God’s unfailing love to surround, carry, fill, and equip me for the task. If He prompts you, would you please pray that for me? I’d so appreciate it.

I’ll be praying for you, too. May you, too, place your hope in God’s unfailing love for whatever you’re facing today, and may you sense His delight.

http://www.dreamstime.com/free-stock-photo-airplane-in-the-blue-sky-rimagefree4392149-resi3440358

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When God Says Go

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

When God gives a divine assignment, our human tendency is to say, “Who, me? I can’t do that.” Fear looms, and we offer excuses such as, “I’m not smart enough,” or “I don’t have the skills necessary.”

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Gideon’s story is a prime example. When God tells him to rescue Israel from the Midianites, he immediately focuses on his inadequacy. “But Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (Judges 6:15)

Sound familiar? I’m dealing with similar fears right now as I plan an event designed for business women. I’m convinced this is a God-given task and I’m moving forward, but part of me says, “Who, me? I don’t have anything to offer these corporate gals. Why would they want to come? What if no one registers? What if it’s a complete flop?”

Then I remember Gideon and God’s message to him: “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you” (v.14).

These words bring me courage. They assure me that, when God gives an assignment, He simply wants me to say yes and to move forward with whatever skills He’s given me now. “Go with the strength you have,” He says, and He looks after the details.

I also find courage in a promise God made, not once but twice. “I will be with you,” He said to Gideon (vv. 12,16). Herein lies the ultimate secret to overcoming fear. God’s presence in our lives—what more do we need? What more do I need as I move ahead with planning this event?

Can you relate to Gideon and me? If so, how does the command, “Go with the strength you have,” encourage you? How does God’s promised presence impact you?
<p><a href=”http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=721″>Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></p

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Fear of Inadequacy

Monday, January 26th, 2009

I was in Dawson Creek, BC, for a women’s conference over the weekend. Flew up there on Friday and was greeted with a blast of cold air (minus 39 degrees Celsius), but warm hearts and hospitality. Fifty precious women attended the meetings — my prayer is that God will continue the good work He’s begun in their hearts.

This morning, back in my little living room, I read about Moses’ call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This is the exact passage from which I taught on Saturday morning in Dawson Creek. It so vividly illustrates the fear of inadequacy — something many of us struggle with.

God had big plans for Moses and for His people. When He gave Moses his divine assignment, Moses’ immediate reaction was, “Who, me? You’ve gotta be kidding. I can’t do that.” That was true. He couldn’t do it. Imagine feeding and providing everything needed for about 3 1/2 million people!

The good news was — God didn’t expect him to do it on his own. He (God) had all the details already figured out. He just needed a man on the ground to do the job. He just wanted Moses to say ‘yes’ and He’d look after the rest.

I’ve struggled with the fear of inadequacy, too. The ironic thing is — when I sensed God nudging me to write a book about the fears that women face, I argued with him for a year. I told Him that doing so was beyond my abilities…I couldn’t possibly pull it off….yada yada. Sometimes I’m a little slow upstairs. It took me awhile to figure out that He was giving me an assignment that was too big for me so that I’d have to lean on Him to get it done. That way, I’d experience His sufficiency in a new and more intimate way.

How about you? Do you have a God-given dream in your heart? Have you sensed Him nudging you towards a specific assignment? How have you responded?

It’s okay to admit your fear of inadequacy and your dependency upon Him to get the job done. In fact, that’s a very healthy place to be. It’s exactly where He wants us. When we are cast on Him to complete the task, we’ll do it in His way and strength rather than our own. And that’s the best way to get it done, right?

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Need Strength?

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Today’s reading in Psalms really blessed me. Right now I’m facing a work load that seems ‘way too big to complete in the amount of time available before I leave the country again, and frankly, I see my inadequacy. And so, several verses popped off the page this morning.

Psalm 18:29 — “In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.”
v. 32,33 — “God arms me with strength; he has made my way safe. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, leading me safely along the mountain heights.”
v. 34 — “He prepares me for battle; he strengthens me to draw a bow of bronze.”

When we are weak (and willing to admit it), He is strong. No matter what we’re facing — a heavy workload, the pain of prodigal kids, financial insecurity, health issues, whatever — God is our strength. He enables us to face the demands of life and battles of the soul with victory. Nothing…nothing is beyond His ability. He is fully capable. And as we rest in Him, we are fully able.

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