When You Get Down on Yourself

There are times when all of us - including me! - feel inadequate.  Maybe it’s from feeling overwhelmed, or indecision,  or a sour relationship - or just the heat!  Paul could relate.  He says that Jesus told him,  “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. That’s not just good advice - it’s how we should live our  lives.  But how do we engage that? Here’s 4 quick points on that path… 

 First, acknowledge your inadequacy to God. Joni Eareckson Tada says, 'Deny your weakness, and you will never realise God's strength in you.' God told Paul, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Anything that makes you lean on God is a plus and not a minus. Recognize that you’re not great at everything; but God will use you in something.

Second, stop putting yourself down. You say, 'I lack the qualifications to do this...'   But God doesn't call the qualified- He qualifies the called!  How? By filling them with His Spirit. 'I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit' (Joel 2:28-29). God isn't limited by age, gender, race, or academic status. The only thing that limits Him is limits you place on yourself or allow others to.

Third, don't buy it. Advertisers spend billions to convince you that without their product you are inadequate or incomplete. Don't believe them! Your identity is in Christ, not  status, possessions or image. Instead, say 'I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made' (Ps 139:14).

Fourth, be motivated by other peoples’ victories- not intimidated.   This is what emotionally healthy people do- they celebrate a friend’s wins, using it to inspire their own goals, choices or attitude. That doesn’t mean you copy them- you should never lose sight of your unique giftedness and the skillset and experiences God has given you that make you, you. We all have gifts from God, we all have something to add to our families, our friends, and church life at CCC.  'Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them' (Romans 12:6). If you feel like your gift is undiscovered or underdeveloped, but you know its there, ask God to show you how to unlock it and begin to use your contribution to His wonderful Kingdom.  No  matter what your age is, this truth alone can make your life more interesting and meaningful- on Earth, on the way to Heaven! 

So when you (or I)  feel ‘down on ourselves, we should remember that ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Phil 4:13.   

What do you think?  I would love to hear from you on this subject… 

 Have a great week!

Pastor Mark Rathe