Dr. Stanley examines the causes, reasons, and results of feeling inadequate. He tells us that no one is adequate within themselves to be saved or to serve God effectively. We must respond to God’s call and rely on the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Outline
I can’t. I’m not good enough. I’ll fail. These words have probably gone through our mind at least once. In this encouraging message from Dr. Stanley, we’ll hear about some celebrated figures in Scripture who also lacked confidence—they have much to teach us about our struggles.
Key Passage: 2 Corinthians 3:1-7
Supporting Passages: Exodus 4:10; Judges 6:12; Judges 6:14-15; Jeremiah 1:4-6
Do you feel as if you just don’t measure up in some area of life? Inadequacy is something we all experience at times. But God wants nothing more than to use us mightily to bring Him glory.
► “Sometimes we feel we fall short and are not all we’d like to be. But God’s greatest servants had the same feelings.”
Let’s consider the lives of four men who felt inadequate to perform God’s will:
1. Moses …
Was keeping sheep in the wilderness when God called him to lead the Israelites out of bondage.
Had to face Pharoah, the most powerful man in the known world.
Was equipped with only a staff for his God-given task.
Gave God excuses about his poor speaking ability (Ex. 4:10).
2. Gideon …
Was called “valiant warrior” by God (Judg. 6:12).
Was instructed by God to free Israel from the Midianites (v. 14).
Gave excuses about his background (v. 15).
3. Jeremiah …
Was appointed by God to be a prophet (Jer. 1:4-6).
Objected to God’s calling, saying he did not know how to speak (v. 6).
4. Paul …
Started the Corinthian church, whose members later questioned his credentials.
Had the confidence to reject their doubts and said the doubters themselves were proof of his calling (2 Cor. 3:1-4).
Knew that his adequacy came not from himself but from God (vv. 5-6).
► “God will equip you for whatever He wants you to do, but you have to trust Him.”
What are some common areas of insecurity?
Vocation—We may worry we aren’t talented enough to handle the work or aren’t good leaders.
Raising children—It’s challenging to raise godly sons and daughters when there seems to be so much working against us.
Marriage—We sometimes struggle to fulfill the needs and expectations of our spouse.
Providing for family—By focusing on what others have, we may feel financially behind.
What are some results of feeling inadequate?
We walk away from God’s power and strength.
We miss God’s designed blessing.
We live with a pervasive sense that something is missing in life.
Why do we reject God’s call?
The fear of failure
A worry that we’ll lack adequate finances
The possible impact on our family
God told Moses, Gideon, Jeremiah, and Paul that He would be with them. And we must remember that …
He will be with us as well.
God will equip us for what He calls us to do.
We must learn to trust Him.
When facing God’s call to act, we should …
Remember His love, grace, and kindness.
Rely on His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.
After Watching
In what area(s) of life do you most often experience feelings of inadequacy? Talk to a pastor or trusted friend to discover the source of the feeling and how to address it.
Whenever you’re unsure, recite God’s promise to Moses—“Certainly I will be with you”—and know it’s His promise to you as well (Ex. 3:12).
