“I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need.”
Charles Spurgeon
A few weeks ago, before I went to Arizona to help care for my mom after her surgery, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy. I questioned if I’d have enough energy or wisdom to give Mom the best care and wondered if I would faithfully and cheerfully meet her daily needs. My inadequacies compelled me to ask my friends to pray.
The morning before I flew out, I read Hebrews 13:6a. “So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear.’” Immediately, my fear was extinguished, as if a candle snuffer came on top of my anxiety’s flame and smothered it. I knew the Lord would help me and give me understanding, grace, and energy. Then God reminded me of a phrase He encouraged me with when I was anxious in the past. Have no fear, God is near. Knowing I would not be alone, that God would be with me, guiding and directing me, gave me great courage and comfort. And indeed, God was faithful to supply what I needed, the week I helped Mom.
There have been numerous times when I’ve stared at my insufficiencies square in its face. Years ago, a dear, young friend of mine was nearing her death. As I went to be by her side, I remember pouring out my heart to the Lord and telling Him I didn’t know what to say or how to act. God met me there and gave direction.
Every single time, God has answered my prayer, as I’ve cried out in desperation for His help with my deficiencies. He alone knows our weaknesses and yet, He still loves us. It’s our limitations that endear us to God. He is aware that without Him, we are inadequate. It gives God pleasure when we realize how much we need Him.
The challenge of writing a book proposal overwhelms me. I fight the urge to give up, as my inadequacies appear as mountains, rather than the molehills they really are, to God.
What inadequacies are you facing today? I wonder how much less our lacks would affect us if we saw our flaws as a God thing, something good, which brings us into a dependent relationship with Him. The next time you feel inadequate and anxiety begins to rise to the surface of your emotions, remember: Have no fear, God is near.
“The greatest saints have always shown the perfect combination of nearness to our Lord on the one hand, and a deep sense of their own unworthiness and weakness on the other.”
Abbe Henri de Tourville
Relevant Reflection:
Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you in the areas you feel inadequate.
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