One of the worst feelings in the world has to be the feeling of inadequacy. We all feel it at times. Some people feel it all the time. Some actually have allowed it to define them to the point of it becoming their identity. It really is a killer!

No matter how much we try to fend it off, it truly is one of those hellish attachments that is relentless in trying to get us to give in and believe the lie that “I simply do not measure up! I could never be as successful as _________, as talented as ____________ or as attractive as _____________.” The truth is, some of you reading this right now are suffering from these thoughts. You’ve thought of quitting, or just packing it in, because the circumstances in your life suggest there’s no way of avoiding the fact that you simply are inadequate.

Thank God that facts and the truth can be vastly different realities. While the facts of life may be saying you’re too short, too heavy, too far in debt, your car is too beat up and ridiculously archaic, and your wardrobe is way out of style, the truth is our adequacy, worth and value is never — and I mean NEVER — determined by anything external.

Don’t ever hang your hat on the trends of the world, Cosmopolitan, or what MTV and VH1 have to say. For that matter, because so much of our society, including the church, receives its marching orders from those media/fashion/pop culture giants, don’t give ear to the opinions of your peers, friends or even some of your family members.

Call your attention to the One who can drown out those voices; take heed of the voice of the One who paid the full price for your inadequacy. You are justified, qualified and sanctified by Jesus Christ! His opinion of you is that you are incredibly precious! His blood has made you clean and holy and forever perfected in the eyes of His Father. There’s not an ounce of inadequacy within you…and that’s the truth!

I challenge you to tear down the lies that say you aren’t good enough, smart enough or gifted enough to do what God has called you to do. He formed you with the right ingredients. He crafted a master plan with you in mind and has revealed it to the Holy Spirit so He can walk with you right into the destiny designed just for you! Receive encouragment this week to breathe in the truth of God’s Word. No matter what the world is saying or your situation appears to be, grab hold of the truth that says:

I am saved!
I am loved!
I am healed!
I am led and directed by the Holy Spirit!
I am an overcomer!
I am provided for and protected by God!
I am fearfully and wonderfully made by my Father!
I will not give in to lies!
I will not succumb to fear!
I am complete in Christ!
Amen, and Amen!