Confessions of God's People Stuck in the MiddleSample

Confessions of an Unqualified Teenager - Mary

Oh God Almighty,

I am coming before you with an overwhelming sense of helplessness. I am so unqualified for what you've asked me to do. I am a nobody. Am I supposed to raise this child who is the world's Savior? What do I know of child-rearing?

God, there are so many more qualified women than me. More patient, better cooks, more well-spoken, and smarter than me. How can Joseph and I raise this child? My mother wasn't perfect, and I see her imperfections in myself. What if I mess up? The angel told me you highly favored me. I certainly couldn't have done anything to deserve such high praise. I am so ordinary.

My head is still reeling about the fact I have this child in me in the first place. How? When? What am I going to say to my friends? Relatives? Who will believe me? What if I mess everything up? I don't want to be responsible for other people. I can barely take care of myself.

What if people laugh at me and doubt my ability? What if they say they could do a better job? I would probably agree with them!

What a big task I have ahead of me. It seems daunting and impossible. I feel so small and want to give up.

The Unqualified Teenager

Loving Mary,

You are carrying my most prized possession, my Son. Your willingness to learn and humility make you just perfect for this job. You don't claim to know it all, yet you are willing.

I loved my people so much that I promised to send my Son to save them. Without you, that would not happen. Even though you were startled and confused, you were humble and ready to be used. You called yourself a servant of the Lord and said, “Let this happen to me.”

It might not seem like much to you to say, "Okay, Lord, I am yours," but that's all I ask. Simple words said in the dark with open hands. No music. No crowds. No mountaintop moment is needed. I will use your simple gifts to my good and gracious will. Do you feel unqualified? You're right. You are. I am the One who will supply you with everything you need when you need it. You are worried about what others will think, say, or do. You don’t need to be. My grace will sustain you and give you what you need.

No task I give you is too much for you because I daily sustain you. Every breath you take is a gift from my hand. You don't even know how often I have rescued you from death or kept you from danger. If you only knew all the things I have done for you even to exist today, none of it is by accident. I have called each person by name, including you. You are mine forever.

Your Heavenly Father