Have you questioned that still, small voice nudging you to do something out of your comfort zone—something that would show love to others and bring God glory?
And the conversation in your head goes something like this:
Lord, you want me to do what? Certainly, there is someone with more experience who would do a much better job! What if I fail? Or worse, make a fool of myself?
The truth is, we all feel inadequate at times.
Am I qualified? Am I good enough? Can God really use me?
When you start to question your calling, it helps to remember these truths.
Your Adequacy Comes From God
Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate servants of the new covenant. (2 Corinthians 3:4)
You see, we don’t need to be adequate in ourselves because our adequacy comes from God. He makes us adequate!
Our adequacy comes from God! Share on X
And according to this verse, not only does our adequacy come from God, but so does our confidence.
I can feel confident in who God made me and how He chooses to use me. I can move forward with what he has laid upon my heart with confidence.
I am ready for anything, through Him who infuses inner strength into me. I am sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency. Philippians 4:13
God Will Equip You
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17
The word of God equips and trains us for every good work. It’s important to go to the word of God to receive direction.
Every believer has received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to live for God and works His power through our weakness.
There are so many verses in the Bible to assure us that God works in us to fulfill his purposes:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 NIV
I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans 12:4-6
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (I Peter 1:3) NIV
God Uses Weakness to Show His Strength
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
When you are feeling weak you can pray that the power of Christ will rest upon you.
Rest!
That’s right, you don’t need to be a ball of nerves! You can rest in the strength God will give you.
Would you ever guess that the man who led the Israelites out of Egypt, pleaded with God to send someone else?
Yes, Moses questioned his abilities even after God assured him!
God Will Be With You
Moses asked God, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? Exodus 3:11
God’s response to Moses?
I will be with you. (3:12)
When we feel insecure we need to remember we are not alone. God is always with us.
But even after this reassurance, Moses continued to second guess himself.
God Will Help You
“What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, “The Lord did not appear to you?” Exodus 3:13
So, then God gave Moses three signs to use to prove to the people that what he said was from him.
He told Moses his staff would turn into a snake, his hand would become leprous and then be restored, and he would take water from the Nile and when he poured it onto the ground it would turn into blood. God even gave Moses a preview of the first two signs.
I just love how God helped Moses by giving him signs to help the Israelites believe him.
But Moses was still feeling inadequate!
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
Boy, do I sympathize with Moses feeling insecure in his ability to communicate God’s message. I often feel the same way when I speak.
Once again, God encouraged Moses to look to Him for strength and help.
The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:10-16
God assures Moses that he will help him speak and give him the words.
But, nope, it doesn’t end there. Moses is still unsure.
He begins to plead with God to send someone else!
But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
Ok, now God is mad! But in his loving mercy, He gives Moses someone who will speak for him.
Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.”
So, the next time you find yourself responding to God’s direction with these questions—
Who am I to do that God?
What if?
But Lord, I don’t (name your weakness)
Please send someone else!
remember the truth of who you are in Christ.
Remember your sufficiency is not found in your own ability and talents. It’s found in the sufficiency you have in Christ.
Perhaps just like Moses, God is reassuring us to trust and believe He is present, equipping us for the task.
Let’s give up our own inadequate view of who we are and all the reasons why we think we can’t do something and instead say,
“Yes, God. If that is what you want me to do, even though I’m nervous and feel inadequate, I will do it. And I will trust in your sufficiency.”
I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Chip Ingram’s wife, Theresa.
I am a competent person, equipped by the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s will in my daily life in a way that pleases Him, regardless of what stage of growth I may be in at the present. My real importance in life is connected with the way I am touching other people’s lives with the love of God and message of Christ. (from Living on the Edge Podcast-Precious in His Sight-How to Have a Healthy Self-Concept)
I made a printable of verses for you to claim when you feel inadequate!
You can sign up below.
I Am Sufficient In Christ
Hello there! I'm Valerie, a mom of four and wife of 27 years. My writing inspires others to cultivate courageous faith and find solace in trusting God, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Join me on this adventure as we explore the beauty of trusting God when we are afraid. 
Hi Valerie,
I was wondering if I could receive an invite to your group board. My blog is Renovated Faith at http://www.renovatedfaith.com and my pinterest url is https://www.pinterest.com/RenovatedFaith/ . Thank you for your time and consideration!
His,
Karin Peters
Sure! I just sent an invite to my group boards. Have a great day!
Oh, Valerie! I go through this all. of. the. time. Ugh! At least at this point, I recognize when the thoughts are infiltrating and begin to speak the truth over my thoughts. I pray a day arrives where the thoughts do not make their way to the forefront of my mind! Thanks so much, friend, for always being so gently authentic with us and for touching a place in my heart that needed a hug!
Yes, I think we all go through this and have to get back to the basics. Speaking truth over our self-defeating thoughts is surely the way to get our minds to think of the truth. You are such a blessing.
Valerie I must remember that I AM sufficient in HIM and Him alone! Thank you for this reminder today Friend!
Amen, friend!
The sufficiency of Christ. Such an important topic. Thanks for writing on this subject, Valerie. Love the free printable!
Thank you Sarah!
I am not sure if you will see this response, however this is just what I needed. I found and read your post during my early rising today. I woke if feeling inadequate to do what the Lord has placed on my heart. He’s given me a ministry but now its for others to benefit from. I recently started a blog…as it is an avenue to reach others beyond my church. He’s given me an age group to focus in also…I was so discouraged looking at other people thinking gosh I’m not like that. The scriptures you provided really gave me perspective. God told me that my goal was to reach the 1 seperated from the 99. He knows which one is out there waiting this is the purpose for the work he has given me. Just thank you. Had you never wrote this I would be so encouraged to press…this is the source of my why…to encourage someone else. Be blessed
Hi Portia, I’m so glad this post encouraged you. And I’m so glad God gives us each a unique calling and helps us every step of the way. I get discouraged when I see the strengths other people have that I wish I had. I wrote this post as a reminder to myself as well, that God will use me even when I feel like I can’t do it. I pray God enoiuurages your heart as you seek to follow Him.
I love this, Valerie! I think everyone can relate. I know I certainly can. I so often feel like what I’ve done is inadequate . . . how in the world can I possibly do that new thing God is calling me to do well? Thanks for encouraging me with the reminder that He is more than able to do His will even through me. God bless!
Thank you, Deb! You are such a blessing to me. I love how God works through your writing. God bless!
Such an encouraging post, Valerie! Yes, sometimes we have to forget who we are and remember who God is. Thanks for the reminder that not only our adequacy but our confidence comes from God. (I also love your beautiful images.)
Carlie, thank you so much for your encouraging words. Blessings to you!
What an encouraging post, Valerie!
We all have days when we fell “un” and “less.” Thank you for these powerful reminders from the Bible.
Love your beautiful images as well.
Your life is a blessing to mine~
Melanie
Awe, thanks for your kind words. You are always a blessing to me!
Ugh, this is such a topic that I need. I often feel inadequate to do what God calls me to do. But your points are so valid and can’t be denied. Thanks for the encouragement, Valerie!
Hi Lisa, I think we all struggle with this at times. I love these verses because it brings me such comfort to know that it’s not all up to me to be good enough. We work and do our best and let God fill in our gaps as we trust. You are such a blessing. Thanks for your comment.
“Remember your sufficiency is not found in your own ability and talents. It’s found in the sufficiency you have in Christ.” Amen, Valerie! Just what my heart needed to read this morning. Love you, lady.
I’m so glad it encouraged your heart Lauren. Have a blessed day!
I regularly like to make it about me. 🙂
May the Lord open my spiritual eyes to see that my sufficiency comes from Him and Him alone!
Thanks for sharing Valerie!
Me too, Lillian. When I’m focused on my inadequacy I”m not trusting in God’s power to equip me. I’m so glad He is full of grace and mercy!