Those Feelings of Inadequacy

Those Feelings of Inadequacy 

by Dr. Charles Stanley

Viewed 1/22/2017

In Touch Ministries

"Inadequacy is tough, but can be a tremendous blessing" -Charles Stanley

Exodus 4:10

"But Moses pleaded with the lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

Judges 6:12

The angel of the lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the lord is with you!”

Jeremiah 1:4-6

4 The lord gave me this message: 5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” 6
“O Sovereign lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

2 Corinthians 3:1-6

1Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! 2The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. 4We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. 5It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 6He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.

Areas of Inadequacy

Although we all experience times when we feel insufficient, the areas of our shortfall are varied.

• Work
• Parenting
• Marriage
• Finances
• Relationships

Reasons for Inadequacy

Inadequacy is a difficult experience, but it can also be a tremendous blessing. However, before we can discover the benefits, we must be willing to uncover the reasons for our struggles.

• Feeling ill equipped. Our life experiences may lead us to feel disadvantaged.  
• Poor self-image. When we think we’re unworthy, we’ll struggle with insecurity.
• Comparison. Sometimes we might see ourselves as less than others.
• Weak faith. We may feel unable to accomplish what God’s called us to do.  
• Criticism. If criticism comes, we may lose our confidence and feel inadequate.
• Failures. We must guard against living with a continual sense of failure.

Results of Inadequacy

When facing daunting situations, we should focus on what the Lord has promised instead of what we feel.

• Failure to take advantage of God-given opportunities. The Lord presents us with challenging opportunities. If we allow a fear of incompetence, we’ll miss God’s plan.
• Refusal of God’s call. When the Lord calls us to serve Him, there are three things that often trip us up: fear of failure, apprehensions about finances, and concern for family. 
• Forfeiture of God’s designed blessing. The path to blessing is a life of obedience. We must understand that He is all-powerful, all-knowing, loving, gracious, and forgiving.
• Lack of fulfillment. When we let our insecurities and inabilities rule our lives, there will always be something missing.  

Important Areas of Obedience

When the Lord calls us, there are two critical areas.

• Salvation. Our responsibility is to trust Jesus as our Savior, rely upon His strength, and walk with Him in the Spirit.
• Service. After we’re saved, the Lord calls us to serve Him. Genuine satisfaction is only found in trusting God’s Word in every situation, and living in obedience to His will.  

Daily Devotion God's Pathway to Success!

Bible in One Year: Exodus 19-21