Do you have an ongoing struggle with feelings of inadequacy, as you strive to be good enough to gain the approval of people?  Well, as a recovering “people-pleaser”, I have to admit my answer to that question is a resounding “yes”.  

Well, 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 addressed my feelings of inadequacy and helped me realign my focus this morning.  Check this out.

“4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. 
5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves 
to consider anything as coming from ourselves, 
but our adequacy is from God,
6 who also made us adequate as servants”
~~2 Corinthians 3:4-6~~

As I pondered this verse, I felt such conviction from the truth it holds.  The Spirit revealed to me that my desire to feel “good enough” has been so self-focused, and He pointed out two important truths.  

1. My adequacy is FROM GOD.  I did nothing to accomplish or gain any “adequacy” that I may perceive myself having.  God has made me adequate THROUGH CHRIST. I am adequate because I have been covered by the blood of His Son, THAT makes me adequate.
2. My desire to be or to feel “adequate” has been so self-focused and misdirected. I have always wanted to feel adequate so that others would approve of me, would love me. But the truth is that God made me adequate, not so I feel good about myself, but He made me adequate as a SERVANT!  Adequate to SERVE.  

It “just so happened” (grin) that I came across Psalm 27:10 about this time that I was writing this blog.  “Funny” how what I discovered in this verse really supports what the Spirit was driving home this morning.  Check it out!

“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, 
But the LORD will take me up.”  

In the phrase “the Lord will take me up”, “take me up” in Hebrew means “to gather for a purpose.”  God “gathered me” for a purpose – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10).  

God made me adequate through the blood of His Son, not so I will feel or appear worthy in the eyes of others, but so I could adequately serve Him.  Ouch, huh?!