June 9 The Blessings of Inadequacy 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 Paul never claimed he was capable of accomplishing all that God called him to do. He simply learned to look beyond his own inadequacy to the sufficiency of Christ. If well adopt the same practice, we, too, can discover the blessings hidden in our own experiences of inadequacy. Our insufficiency drives us to God. When we realize a situation is bigger than we can handle, were quick to open the Bible and diligently pray for guidance and power. Inadequacy relieves us of the burden of self-effort and self-reliance. The Lord has us right where He wants us--at the end of our rope with nothing left to give. Inability motivates reliance on divine power. Well never be adequate until we draw from the Holy Spirits inexhaustible strength. He does in and through us what God never intended that we do on our own. By using weak, inadequate people, God demonstrates what great things He can do. He actually delights in choosing unlikely individuals to carry out His purposes. Theres no limit to what He can do through someone willing to give Him full control. Inadequacy challenges our faith. Paul says, Our adequacy is from God (v. 5). Those who focus on the reliability of this promise and step out in obedience will grow in faith. Why go through all the fear, pressure, and frustration that accompany feelings of inadequacy when theres an alternative? Let the Lord make you adequate: rely upon Him and allow Christ to live in and through you. He will replace your anxiety with a quiet spirit of contentment. For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit intouch.org. Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 11:29:20 +0000