Feeling Less Than

 

(Note: I had this written before this morning’s message by Pastor Love. You’ll see what I mean.)

I hope you’re not like me. I’m not confident in my work. If you’re not, I hope this will be an encouragement to you.

I work with young adults who have had some serious difficulties in their lives. Old patterns create problems in the present and helping them navigate becoming adults can be discouraging. Due to their trouble trusting people, I often struggle to connect with some of them. Sometimes they hurt my feelings, and I wonder why God brought me to this position. I feel less-than capable of doing this job. Many problems have no clear solutions leaving me feeling dumb like I have no critical thinking skills. Sometimes I even feel unnecessary. The work feels unfruitful most of the time. (Poor me!)

There is one benefit in feeling like this: it makes me wholly dependent on God for wisdom, strength, and discernment.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) states: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Did you catch that last phrase? God has good works He prepared ahead of time for us to do. What about the rest of the verse? We are God’s handiwork. He made us in Christ Jesus. He gave us the skills for the good works he has planned for us to do. Of course, we do what we can to hone those skills, but it’s His work, not ours. It’s Christ’s work in us.

Ecclesiastes 3:14 (NIV) states: "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him."

I know God brought me to this place to do His good works through me for He is in me, and His plans will not be thwarted. He has given me (and you) the necessary gifts to get the job done. Feelings aside, these are the facts.

Be encouraged today. You matter. You are necessary. Whether you’re changing dirty diapers, caring for an elderly relative, or working in the corporate world, you have been equipped to do your pre-ordained good works by Christ in you. And his works will be done despite our shortcomings. Isn’t that a relief?

joyce hague