Intimacy With GodSample

Debunking Intimacy: Inadequacy

Everyone, at some point in life, will experience the feeling of inadequacy. Be it starting a new job, serving in a ministry, or stepping into parenthood, we will experience some sense of not being good enough. Sometimes, this feeling can be sparked by the unkind words or actions of others, leaving us to question our worth. For some, harsh criticism can sting deep. For others, rejection or fractured relationships might weigh heavy on the heart. And perhaps some have also allowed an “I don’t deserve this” mindset to creep into our relationship with God, convincing ourselves that we’re not good enough for God.

When faced with feeling inadequate, people try to bounce back in their own strength, turning to positive self-talk, seeking encouragement from friends, or working harder. Others may mask their feelings, pretending all is well. But if inadequacy lingers, it can hold us back – not only from having relationships with people but also with God. It might even be holding us back from achieving our God-given potential and calling in life. That whisper of “I’m not good enough” has the power to isolate us from those we love, and especially from loving Father who loves us so deeply.

But here’s the good news: the Bible is full of stories about people who felt inadequate, yet God empowered them to rise above it!

Take Moses, for example. When God called him at the Burning Bush to deliver God’s people out of slavery in Egypt, Moses was filled with doubt and fear. He questioned his abilities: “I’m not good enough,” “Who would listen to me?” “I don’t have the skills” (Exodus 4:1-10). Moses was overwhelmed by his inadequacy. After all, he was a murderer on the run (Exodus 2:15) and a simple shepherd (Exodus 2:21). Moses begged God to send someone else (Exodus 4:13), but God didn’t see Moses as inadequate. He saw someone He could equip and use for His glory. Despite Moses’ reluctance, God enabled him to deliver the Israelites.

Paul, too, wrestled with feelings of inadequacy. He confessed to the Corinthians that he came not “in weakness and fear, and in great trembling.” Yet Paul didn’t let his inadequacy define him. Instead, he relied on God – on the “demonstration of the Spirit and power” so that their “faith would not rest on the wisdom of mankind but on the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Paul looked beyond his feelings of inadequacy to God’s sufficiency.

The sobering truth of the Gospel is that, on our own, we are inadequate. That’s why we need a Saviour. Jesus meets us in a relationally intimate way despite our inadequacy. He says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Truth is, feeling inadequate is part of being human. But it doesn’t stop us from being intimate with God. What really matters is how we respond to those feelings. So, will we continue to feed these fears, or will we run to God?

Let's Reflect
Is there an area where you feel inadequate? Bring it to Jesus today.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Thank You that I can be weak because You are strong. I am not enough on my own, and that’s why I need You. Thank You for saving me, equipping me, and strengthening me.

In Your name, I pray, amen.