2 Cor. 2:14-17
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! You need more of a humble regard for the
Lord...
Philip. 4:13, "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 our feelings of inadequacy! 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?? Then stop groping
for excuses and hiding behind your inadequacies... Whatever God wants
you to do, He'll enable you to do - triumphantly!
Romans 8:28, "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... 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 us think too little of ourself; on the other hand, some of us
overestimate ourself! In either case, we have underestimated the Lord...
2 Cor. 3:5-6a, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing
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.... Are you trusting Him to lead you in
triumph, dear lady?
Matthew 10:31, "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many
sparrows."
In closing, confidence in the Lord should take 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.
Such a perspective is required in God's service... Jesus said in the verse
above 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 yourself 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 lose our courage or underestimate
the Lord's loving concern for us. No, it's not a time for fear and inadequacy,
but a time for thanks...
"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
