Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, as we delve into Your Word today, help us to confront and overcome our feelings of inadequacy. Remind us that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Holy Spirit, be our guide. Amen.
But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
REFLECT:
In this passage, Paul is sharing a profound truth he received from the Lord. Despite his weaknesses, God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our inadequacies. This scripture aligns with the sermon’s theme of feeling inadequate in our roles as spiritual guides.
2 Corinthians 12:9 offer a powerful reminder that our weaknesses are not a barrier to God's work but an opportunity for His power to be displayed. Paul had a "thorn in the flesh," a persistent struggle that he pleaded with God to remove. Instead of removing it, God assured Paul that His grace was sufficient and that His power is made perfect in weakness.
This past weekend at Pathway Church, we had a Parent Panel on stage to wrap up our Pass It On series. One of our guests, Andrea Wells' testimony during the message resonates deeply with this scripture. She candidly shared her feelings of inadequacy and brokenness, yet she continues to strive to pass on her faith to her children. This vulnerability and reliance on God's grace are what make parents powerful spiritual guides for their children.
We often feel inadequate, especially when it comes to spiritual leadership. We see our flaws and failures and wonder how we can possibly guide others. But this passage reassures us that it is precisely in our weaknesses that God's power is most evident. When we rely on His grace, we become vessels through which His strength and wisdom flow.
APPLY:
Today, Consider your own feelings of inadequacy. How can you shift your perspective to see them as opportunities for God's power to be displayed? Write it down and pray over it, asking God to show His strength in that area. You could also share this with a trusted friend or family member and ask for their prayers and support.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I WILL have a five-minute Intentional conversation with the kid in my life.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, thank You for reminding me that Your grace is sufficient and Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Help me to embrace my inadequacies and rely on Your strength. Equip me to be a faithful guide to those I influence. In Jesus' name, Amen.