Inadequacy is defined as “Not equal to the opportunity.” Whether you own a business, lead a church, manage an investment portfolio, or are simply raising a family and getting on in life, you are bound to encounter problems as you go forward. That’s life. But the standout problem, the one that towers over the others, will surface any negative feelings you have of personal inadequacy if you let it.
All twelve of the men sent into Canaan to “spy out the land” were tribal princes, but ten of them were not up to the task, which was to report the facts, not distort them with opinions based on feelings.
The ten went wrong by exceeding their brief and adding unbelief to the facts they had seen and included in their report. Only two of the twelve princes had an outlook based on faith, which enabled them to report the facts and rise to the opportunity presented: Caleb and Joshua.
I have never forgotten the Sales Manager of a furniture store in which I worked during my early twenties. One day, he arrived in the department where I worked, together with the Manager of the store. The latter was a member of a religious cult and did not like me. The friendly Sales Manager asked, “Peter, how would you like to manage the bedding department?”
My lack of higher education flashed through my mind, and I shrank inwardly and replied, “I don’t think I’m ready for it.” The manager, who was a towering figure, turned to the Sales Manager and said, scornfully: “I told you he wasn’t up to it!” They walked off, leaving me to deal with the knowledge that I had failed to respond to the opportunity.
Soon after, the Sales Manager reappeared, took me aside, and said: “Peter, I never want to hear you say that again! You were ready for it, and I had said so to the Manager. You let me down.” He was a kind man, and I still remember the advice he gave me to this day.
Never since have I turned down a position or opportunity offered to me. I might not have succeeded to the degree to which I aspired, but have never shrunk from a challenge — no matter how large; but in faith have risen to the opportunity presented.
That man believed in me, but the problem was I did not believe in myself. I have since learned that God believes in me, and by His grace have not allowed inadequacy to let down my Lord, myself and those who believed in me.
I hope that you will learn from my experience and will see yourself as equal to every opportunity that life presents. Not psychological self-belief, which has its place, but rather faith in God-in-Christ-in-you to achieve whatever life presents. Put your trust in God and see problems as opportunities — and rise in faith and overcome them!