I is for inadequate

I listened to a great sermon this morning while Daisy and I walked around the neighborhood: Against All Odds by Alistair Begg. (You can download his podcasts from iTunes under his ministry, Truth for Life.) It was the story of Gideon against the Amalekites--300 against a vast army whose camels were like the sand on the seashore.

One of the points he made was this: when we get to the point of embracing our inadequacy, our weakness, then God can step in and do incredible things. Because when he does, there's absolutely no doubt about who gets the glory.

I was so challenged by this. All too often, I think of myself as together, capable, and able to handle just about anything that comes my way. But the truth is that on my own I'm completely unable to handle my life--marriage, parenting, being patient with those around me...and just about anything else that comes up in my life.

But God... Aren't those wonderful words? They make all the difference.

On my own, I would be bitter, angry, and alone. But God!

It is only in him and through him and because of him that my life makes any sense, has any purpose, and contains any joy.

I need to stop and think about that more. Not to create self-loathing or to wallow in self-pity, but to understand and accept the truth of all that God has done for me. To stop, like Gideon, and worship the Lord God who loves me and gave himself as a sacrifice for me.

And so I is also for incredible--literally, unbelievable. That God would do such a thing seems too good to be true. And that's why the gospel is good news. Because God has done the unbelievable--for me, and for you. Amen and hallelujah!

Comments

[dyan]

what wonderful thoughts.. thank you for sharing them! your words ring true for so many! But God!! :)

[Lisa R=P]

What beautiful sentiments! You summarize so well what I struggle to put into words - what a gift! I will be walking around for the next few days thinking - But God! So true.

[Holly Smith]

I love the story of Gideon and especially the part where the angel greets him saying, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." While he was not even "all that," yet. I love that God can speak words over us that are not yet true and make them so in our lives. All of that fits in with inadequate and incredible, I think. Love this! I can't wait to check out the mp3's!
Praying for you today, Friend!
Holly

[Marla Taviano]

Amen, girl! Preach it, sista! I love Alistair Begg. We went to his church when we lived up near Cleveland. I just sat there with my Bible, pen and notebook and devoured every word.

[Valerie]

Joanne - can you please contact me on this email account, I have an important request. thanks.