“I don’t measure up.”
“I am not sure I have what it takes.”
“I’m physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted.”
“I’m in over my head.”
“What if I fail?”
“What will people think of me?”

Do you ever have these thoughts and questions? An inner gnawing that you are just not enough? You are not alone. Let me introduce you to a man named Moses.

Most Israelite men who would have been Moses’ age had been killed when they were infants. In God’s plan, Moses was rescued by Pharoah’s daughter and raised in the palace. When he was forty, he saw an Egyptian beating an Israelite. While we don’t know all the details of the struggle, Moses ended up killing the Egyptian and had to run for his life. “Rescued when others were killed,” “murderer,” “failed leader,” and “fugitive” were all a part of his resume. Then, one day, God showed up and called Moses to lead Israel out of slavery. Moses’ first response to God was that he was not up for the task.

Exodus 3:11-12
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” [God] said, “But I will be with you….”

The fear of inadequacy causes us to question our value. We feel we just don’t have what it takes. Our past failures are hard to shake. “Who am I” to answer God’s call in my life? Notice how God answers. God gently reminds Moses that it’s not about Moses; it’s all about God. He will be with us. He will always be with us to help us accomplish whatever he calls us to do.

The fear of inadequacy will remain embedded in our hearts as long as we are asking the question, “Who am I?” We have to change that question to this one— “Who is my God?” The writer to the Hebrews says it this way, “…Be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So, we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5b-6 NIV).

Father,
The fear of inadequacy can paralyze me. Remind me that you are by my side, that you will be with me, that I am never alone. Help me to find my value in my identity with you.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.