"But God...

Eric Johnson

Even some of the greatest (men and women of God) have struggled with inadequacy. Inadequacy is something that rears its ugly head when we are about to get promoted. I have become convinced that one of the biggest reason most believers experience lifeless Christianity is because of this very thing—inadequacy. When we are challenged individually, or called to do some great task or even a small task, inadequacy will scratch its way forward to be included in the first words that come out of our mouths. The moment we begin to look at how we are not able to do something is the moment we cripple our ability for greatness...

Recently I was laying in bed one night feeling overwhelmed with my life and responsibilities. I jokingly said that I have 8 or more "plates" spinning at the same time. The pace to keep the plates spinning was wearing on me and I could feel it. Right there in bed I recognized that I had hit my "lid!"...

We may ask, "How do I know if I can do what the Lord has asked me to do?" In Numbers 13, Israel was on the threshold of one of the greatest fulfillments in history. They journeyed from the land of the Egyptians, where they had resided for over 400 years, to the doorstep of land that was flowing with milk and honey. The spies had just returned from a secret mission. Moses and the elders were eagerly awaiting the report. As the spies were giving their report, the people were stirred into confusion and frustration. Grief settled in their hearts. 10 of the 12 spies gave a report that the land was indeed flowing with abundance, but giants were in the land. What stopped them from going in was this statement found in verse 33: "We were small in our own eyes therefore we were small in their eyes." Their perception of themselves drove them back into the wilderness for 40 more years! ...

It is becoming more apparent than ever that inadequacy can kill the plans that God has for us. The bible makes it clear that whenever Israel would cry out for freedom from bondage, God would respond and find someone to lead them out. When God calls you and me to do great things, IT IS possible because someone in the world is calling out for freedom!

We are not allowed to make up a list of inadequacies or shortcomings and let that determine what we are capable of. So, as we aim to end our "But God . . ." comments, let us strive to break into the area of the unknown and do what God KNOWS we are capable of!

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