The feeling of inadequacy is common. Unequipped for the struggles that come our way. We all face times when we feel this way. We often face tasks that overwhelm us, overtake us, and consume everything we do.
Finding Purpose in the Struggle
I have kids. Four of them, to be exact. Kids have a way of bringing out the worst in you. They know your triggers. Your weak spots. And always seem a step ahead in the game. Or maybe for you, it’s the traffic you sit in that brings out your ugly side. Your co-workers? Your spouse? The mother-in-law? Be honest for a moment…there’s some person or circumstance that has a way of breaking your stride.
There’s a reason we struggle…we are but jars of clay. Commonplace. Ordinary. Nothing special, so to say. If any of us needs to be pulled back down to earth, this verse helps put life in perspective. We all have weaknesses.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Cor. 4:7
The Feeling of Inadequacy Can Be Used for Good
But I love how God doesn’t leave us there! We are insignificant on our own…but we have treasure living inside! Read 2 Cor. 4:8-18. I would even suggest that you read it out loud.
Because despite our weaknesses…
We are afflicted in every way…but not crushed;
Perplexed…but not driven to despair;
Persecuted…but not forsaken
Struck down…but not destroyed;
Death is at work in us…but we have eternal life.
The outer self is wasting away…but inner self is renewed day by day;
Afflicted in every way…but eternal glory is awaitin’
Some things are seen…but we look toward the unseen.
For the things that are seen are temporary…but our HOPE is in eternity!
Don’t Lose Heart, Hang On
You may feel weak today, but you won’t be weak forever. You may be struggling now, but it will not be for eternity. Don’t lose heart, my friend. Hold on. When we are weak, God is strong. But there’s even more…when we walk through the miry pit, God can be glorified.
I know it is easy to lose sight of God when you walk through something really, really hard. You go into survival mode. As I recently traversed a painful journey…I had to keep reminding myself that God is bigger than this. The thing I kept clutching on to is that God will work this all out for good. He will be glorified in this mess, and if I surrender to Him, others around me will see Him too. I mean…in this weird sorta way…it is an encouragement to know that God will be glorified when we walk through the hard stuff. Your suffering is not in vain. God is bigger than the feeling of inadequacy.
Your pain has a purpose.
For others to see God working in you.
And so, my friend, are you willing to encourage someone else along? Please share how you have been encouraged during a difficult time.