God Is Adequate

Dear FBC,

Have you ever had those times where you feel inadequate? Sometimes I do. I feel inadequate as a husband. Sometimes I feel inadequate as a father. Sometimes I feel very inadequate as a pastor. Sometimes I even feel inadequate as a Christian. If you have not felt this way sometimes, then read no more. But if you have, then read on.

How can we handle the inadequacies we all possess and battle? How do we deal with the faults and imperfections we all carry from our past (or things that still plague us in the present)? One verse that struck me recently, and encourages me greatly is in II Corinthians. In chapter three, verses five and six, it states, “ Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” That is very encouraging to me. Paul knew that he was not adequate in himself, but he knew his “adequacy was from God.” That means that my imperfections, faults, sins, and inadequacies are not the issue. Do I need to grow as a husband? Certainly. Do I need to strive to be a more consistent parent? Definitely. Do I need to improve as a pastor and teacher? Always. But the hope and encouragement comes not merely from recognizing what I’m not, but recognizing what and who He is for me. Even though I am riddled with inadequacies, He is adequate. He can take my inadequacies and make them adequate. Jesus is constantly trying to pull my mindset from musing over my inadequacies, to musing over His adequacy. If Jesus Christ died for us while we were yet sinners, worthy of judgment, how much more will He use us and change our inadequacies, into service for the King of Kings!?

Today, when you feel the clouds of condemnation and inadequacy roll over you, admit where they are true. Then, revel in our Christ who has begun a good work in you. Take pleasure in the fact that God loves working in and through His people. He loves you immensely - flaws and all. He has made you a servant of Christ. Today, let’s try to minimize our view of our inadequacies, and maximize our view of His adequacy. I love you all in the Lord. Remember, He is adequate! Have a great day.

From my heart,

Rick Hoppe
Pastor-Teacher