inadequate

You know that feeling when you are so out of your element it's not even funny. Like the time I mistakenly thought I could be an athlete and tried out for the track team and almost died halfway through the first lap (and that's when I was in shape). Or like Penny on Big Bang Theory when the guys are talking Quantum Physics. You feel inadequate.

I feel that way a lot when I think of some people with great faith such as Jim Elliot. Like I could never be like that. Or maybe modern day people that I look up to like Beth Moore. I wish I had her smarts and her ability to communicate those smarts. Or Tim Tebow, football aside, the man is crazy unique. I can't fathom the temptations he withstands, the obstacles he faces, and the determination he possesses to take the stand he takes. I feel inadequate.

I mentioned in my last post about Gideon. He felt inadequate too. He couldn't get past the way he viewed himself.

Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!" 

"But Lord," Gideon replied, "how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" Judges 6:14-15 NLT

God sees us as a masterpiece. He sees us as a work of art that He has created with His own hands. And too often we forget that. Pastor said God doesn't see us as we are, but as what we are to become in Him. We are a work in progress. We are the clay that He is molding and creating to become the beautiful and useful vessel.

I was doing my study in the life of David this morning, and Beth Moore was speaking about the moment in 2 Samuel 6 where David returned and danced without abandon before the Lord. It's kind of off subject, but I just kept thinking...What is it that hinders us from throwing caution to the wind and just living for God without abandon?

Why do we get so caught up in our limitations? It's a good thing that the Apostle Paul didn't get caught up in the whole “do you know what I did in the past, God?” Or what about Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary? You've got a schemer, prostitute, idol worshiper, adulterer, and an unknown virgin teenager all in the lineage of Christ. Wow!

Stop thinking about what you can't do and start asking God what He can.