2 Cor. 2:14-17 (KJV)
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved,
and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death;
and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for
these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but
as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
After reading this portion of scripture, how can we, as Christians, ever feel inadequate in serving Christ? We shouldn't! Who is equal to the task of representing Christ better than His people, for God equips those that are His to do that very thing - triumphantly. As a matter of fact, our adequacy always comes from God. If you are feeling inadequate, you are simply too aware of yourself, better known as “self-conscious.” You need more of a humble regard for the Lord...
Philip. 4:13 (KJV)
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Ladies, we must fully depend upon Christ to make manifest His knowledge by us in every setting. "By me??" Yes, by you! Our heavenly Father has given us the Holy Spirit to speak with Christ's power. Wherever we go we are a sweet savor of Christ. We are not alone in our service... The Lord always keeps His eye on us, guiding and empowering us as we work for Him. Thus, if we realize that it is GOD who makes us competent and useful, we can overcome the awareness of our deficiencies. In every situation, we can come out smelling like a rose - the Rose of Sharon, that is! Serving the Lord, therefore, requires that we focus on what HE can do through us, not on what we can't do by ourselves. Are you utilizing the potential He has given you, dear lady? Do you not think Christ living on the inside of you is sufficient to endure your outward circumstances?? Do you not think Calvary was a mighty display of God's power?? If so, then stop groping for excuses and hiding behind your shortcomings! Whatever God wants you to do, He'll enable you to do successfully…
Romans 8:28 (KJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Those of us who make up the family of God have this well-known and frequently quoted promise to claim as our own! I hope you have not become numb to the depth of it... God often calls us to tasks that seem too difficult, but He doesn’t ask us to carry them out alone. Even though our circumstances might be uncomfortable or distressful at times, we have the blessed assurance that God is at the helm! Do you not find this truth a call for confidence?? You see ladies, our sense of adequacy is affected by how closely we identify with Christ. Some of you think too little of yourself; on the other hand, some of you overestimate yourself! In either case, the Lord has been underestimated...
2 Cor. 3:5-6a (KJV)
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves;
but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of
the new testament....
The key to an honest and accurate evaluation is knowing the basis of our confidence - our identity in Christ. Apart from Jesus, we aren't capable of very much by eternal standards, amen? In Him alone, we are valuable and capable of worthy service! Your sufficiency for such things grows as does your reliance upon God. He makes us ABLE! Are you trusting Christ to lead you in triumph?
Matthew 10:31 (KJV)
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
In closing, confidence in the Lord takes on a new perspective toward life's problems. Faith in God does not make troubles disappear; it makes them appear less overwhelming because it puts them in an "adequate" perspective! We must become Christ-conscious, not self-conscious! Such an outlook is required in God's service... The Bible tells us that God is aware of everything that happens - even to sparrows, and you are far more valuable to Him than they are! No matter the size or the shape of the circumstances you might find your self in today, these can't shake God's love or dislodge His Spirit from within you. Ladies, there is never a time when we should miscalculate the Lord or lose our courage. No, it's not a time for fear, but a time for thanks...
2 Cor. 2:14a (KJV)
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ....
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2001 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2004
