When I’m Not Enough

By Matt Petersen, Vice President for Strategic Prayer and Marketing

Post date: Feb. 17, 2020

Do you ever feel like you’re not enough? Not skilled enough? Not smart enough? Not creative enough? Not spiritual enough? Not strong enough?

We live in a time and culture that encourage comparison and competition.

When I compare my education and experience to other people on LinkedIn, or notice how the pictures I share on Instagram aren’t as beautiful as other people’s, or realize how someone else’s writing is wittier or more creative than mine, it often leads to feelings of insecurity.

As much as I hate to admit it, the reality is that there are countless people more capable and talented than I am. Maybe you feel the same way.

But that’s not how God sees us.

It’s not our talent, our good looks, our experience or even our human strength that interest God — it’s our willingness to follow him.

In Jeremiah 1:5-6, the prophet wrote, “‘O Sovereign Lord … I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!’ The Lord replied, ‘Don’t say, “I’m too young,” for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.’” Throughout Scripture God repeatedly chose unexpected and underqualifed people like Jeremiah. And he’s still doing it today.

When I was approached about serving as a senior director for Marketing, and later as vice president, I felt very inadequate to the task. I didn’t feel smart enough, experienced enough or confident enough. But God used the voices of trusted coworkers and the story of Moses to show me a different perspective.

From the burning bush, God called Moses four times to lead his people out of Egypt, and each time Moses gave an excuse about his human weakness. In anger, God finally agreed to let Aaron speak for Moses. But while Aaron had the charisma and polish of a leader, he did not rely on God.

As a result, when Moses put Aaron in charge of the people during his time on Mount Sinai, Aaron quickly caved to idolatry. Although he had polish, Aaron failed miserably because he relied on his own strength and human wisdom.

I was encouraged to learn in the latest Deeply Rooted devotional that the word “strength” in Deuteronomy 6:5 isn’t referring to my human ability or determination. Instead, it’s a command to give God all of my being — to fully yield to his will.

This means I must continue learning how to step out in confidence, not fear, when he calls me to challenges beyond my power, knowing that while my strength will fall short, he is enough.

Questions for Reflection:

• What situations or experiences trigger feelings of inadequacy or insecurity within you?

• How do you think God might want you to view “strength” differently than you have before?

• In what ways can a new perspective about strength give you freedom to step out in faith and allow God to make you into the person he designed you to be?

Don’t forget to discover more about what it looks like to love God with all your strength in our devotional.

Para leer el devocional en español oprima aquí.