- 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
- 1 Timothy 1:15-16 - This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
- Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
- Judges 6:15 - And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
A sense of insufficiency can sometimes hinder us from fulfilling God's will and keep us from stepping out in faith. Feeling inadequate is not a sin, but accepting and settling for that thought can lead us astray. Even Paul sometimes felt insufficient, but those feelings did not stop him from sharing the Gospel. On the contrary, he allowed his weaknesses to draw him closer to God. The correct reaction for a believer is to pray and reflect on the Scriptures, increasing our ability to rely on the Lord. God’s Spirit strengthens us to accomplish every task He calls us to. Although the disciples followed Jesus for years, His final words clearly showed their need for divine help. Our insufficiency, like that of the disciples, shows that God can do great things with little. Moses and David were shepherds, and Gideon was considered one of the weakest in Israel, yet God did great things through them. When our insufficiency directs us to trust in God more, it becomes a blessing. Like Paul, we can say: “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Reflection
In what situations where you feel insufficient can you learn to rely on God's power?
