Inadequate

I don't know about you, but feelings of inadequacy seem to be a constant in my daily walk. The things God has called me--lovingly assigned me--to do always seem overwhelming. Can I really challenge students to confront ideas in such a way that they will respond to them not just academically but transformationally? Can I really for an entire school year model the lovingkindness of Christ each and every day to a host of teenagers each with his or her own struggles and challenges? Can I really as shy and timid as I know myself to be actually interact with my fellow educators and parents in such a way that they will be encouraged by my words and actions? The answer is always, "No, not a chance." And I hope that is always my answer. It is that answer that sends me to my knees each and every day crying out for the filling of the Spirit. It is that answer that keeps me in the Word each and every day so that the Spirit can fill me with His presence--His likeness. It is that answer that keeps me focused on glorifying the One who enables me to make any difference at all in my daily journey in His presence. And like it or not, I never spend a moment of any day when I am not in His presence. The enemy so wants us to believe that the "humdrum" of Christianity--daily time in the Word and daily time in prayer--is "boring" and unnecessary when it is actually the lifeblood of a joyous, impactful, fulfilling walk with Him. The enemy so wants us to look at our ministry and pat ourselves on the back for what the Spirit is accomplishing graciously through us. Inadequate? Yes, we are all quite human. Useless? No. Not if we moment by moment armored by prayer and saturated with the energizing, life-giving Word of the Spirit, are totally dependent on the Creator-Redeemer God of Unconditional Love who makes His home--abides--within us. And then, and only then, can we rest and rejoice in the promise: "I can do all things through Christ who is my strength." All things. Can do.

And then, one day, when we stand in His presence, He will actually--unbelievably--lean over and whisper to the inadequate, strengthless, fearful you and me, "Thank you for letting Me use you to glorify My Name." Oh what love!!