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Feeling Inadequate - 9/26/2008 3:14:37 PM
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MyCatSmokey2006
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There are times in my life when I feel inadequate as a Christian. Yesterday, I went to the visitation of my friend's husband, a dear old saint who went home to be with Jesus this week. The brochure I read described him as a peaceful, happy man who loved the Lord and was a very good witness for Him.
The more I read about him, the more ashamed and inadequate I felt, because my life hasn't always been Christ-like. I've not always been a good witness for Jesus and have let my emotions get the better of me in the past. I know that there is no such thing as instant maturity, that growing in the Lord is a process, yet sometimes I feel like, since I've been a Christian for more than 25 years, I should be more grounded in my faith and be more Christ-like than I've been.
Four years ago, I rededicated my life to Christ and have been more digilent (at least most of the time) in reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on God's Word and praying everyday. I've also been attempting to witness to others about Christ and have been trying to live my life in such a way that they can see Him in me. I'm not perfect by any means, but I feel that I need to do a better job at living the Christian life. That's why I feel inadequate when I compare my life to my friends who've walked with the Lord longer than I have and are much closer to Him.
Has anyone else ever felt this way? Does anyone know of any Bible verses that I can meditate on to encourage me as I struggle with being the best Christian I can be with God's help?
_____________________________
Melissa
<----Cyber Kitty!
Pray and Rejoice, God is in control!
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/26/2008 3:26:52 PM
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restinginHim
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quote:
ORIGINAL: MyCatSmokey2006 .. Has anyone else ever felt this way? Does anyone know of any Bible verses that I can meditate on to encourage me as I struggle with being the best Christian I can be with God's help?
All too often i have felt this way...
This was the first verse that came to my mind.
Romans 3:23
For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
_____________________________
"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." John 15:9
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/26/2008 3:48:07 PM
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deermousie
Posts: 1849
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Yes, this isn't uncommon, and God even talks about it in Scripture:
2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Since we're all sinners, we all get 'wake up calls' when we see the difference between ourselves, godlier people, and God's perfection. It's good, because it helps us shape our priorities.
This can become a trap because we think we have to do better to be good enough for God. The good news is we're never good enough for God, because we're still sinners and He is still perfect. That's why it's such a relief that our salvation comes from Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the tomb. We don't do anything for our salvation, but we are free to respond to His love in service, free and voluntary. It bubbles out of a grateful heart, singing with joy. He is so good. How can we not respond in love, and wish to live and do as He asks?
So lay down your struggle, MyCatSmokey (he's beautiful!), and rejoice that you have been set free. Sit in His lap a while and enjoy the cuddle, because He loves you. Let Him wipe away your tears. Sing, dance, and look for something that He'd like you to do, and do it joyfully. It's our reasonable service from a free and happy heart.
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
God bless you, dear sister in the Lord! (((Hugs))) I hope you are feeling much better and hopeful. 
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/26/2008 5:55:29 PM
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mvic
Posts: 1537
Joined: 1/17/2008
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Hey ... stop for a moment. Do not waste time comparing yourself to others. You're not the judge here - He is.
He knows how you're doing, your strengths and your weaknesses, your sins, and your good deeds, and how you witness for Him. And you know something? He loves you all the same. Despite your failings He loves you. He cares for you. And you are very precious and unique to Him.
So stop worrying. Smile and rejoice at His unconditional love for you.
God bless.
_____________________________
Christian words of comfort at http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/26/2008 6:33:07 PM
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grace2grace2008
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each person comes from a different set of experiences and choices. maybe the feelings can be re-directed, so instead of feeling inadequate you can be honored by that person, and learn from them, perhaps applying what you have learned.
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/26/2008 8:38:00 PM
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rcjames
Posts: 5582
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From: Oklahoma
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I have preached over 7000 sermons in my life, and everytime I stand in front of a congregation I feel woefully inadequate to speak God's Word.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/26/2008 9:12:27 PM
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makarizo
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I have experienced this before.
I had this revelation.... people talk about what they love.
they learn about it, study it, watch it, talk about it all the time..... maybe a boyfriend, or football, or the stock market, or tools.
I examined myself. I love Jesus Christ.
In conversations, life style, and habits, He was taking the back seat to other things.
I felt so inadequate, like the man who walked away from the mirror, and forgot what he looked like..... Did I really love Christ, or did I just wish I did.
There were some big changes after that, it was all God.
there are so many helpful verses to study and meditate on concerning this, but perhaps the most significant for me were 2 Psalms:
40
and 42
_____________________________
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/27/2008 12:24:12 AM
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LCannon
Posts: 1245
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
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quote:
The more I read about him, the more ashamed and inadequate I felt because....
Stop there. Acknowledge that reality but what's the past and you(we)can't change the past however we can press on for productive future of obedience and service and Victory. Often(too often)we dwell on our perceived lost opportunities and disobediences to the point of guilt(or excuse), you know the 'could a should a' routine, while the next 'liberty obedience' is stare us in the face. Press on and learn from you excuses.
_____________________________
"I pray that You dispose of my health, my sickness,
my life and my death for Your Glory."(Blaise Pascal)
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/27/2008 12:26:09 AM
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1love1God1way
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The moment you feel adequate is the moment you stop growing.
_____________________________
love.ben
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/27/2008 11:15:23 AM
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PastorPatricia
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I'm with RCJames, I always feel very inadequate in the pupit or leading the service. God doesn't call the qualified he qualifies the called.
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/27/2008 11:18:25 AM
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iamjc-s
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You're not adequit , I'm not adequit,
nobody is adequit in & of themselves.
It is Jesus Christ's sacrifice for you & the Holy Spirit in you that makes us not only adequit but more than concurs.
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/27/2008 8:22:51 PM
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misty35
Posts: 614
Joined: 9/22/2008
From: Arkansas
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Melissa,
I just read your post, and I believe that we have all experienced this in our lives with our walk with Christ. I have experienced this myself, and its not a good feeling, but the one thing I always remember is that He reminds us, to never compare ourselves to others, He has a purpose for each one of us, and no 2 will be the same. So what I do today, is I always ask the Lord, if there is anyone that needs help, needs to hear the Word of God, just anyone in need, please show who they are, and what you ask of me, and it will be you Lord that gets all the Glory. When you begin to ask Him, you will be quiet amazed of those He will put in your path. This may not help you out any, I hope so, but He has truly amazed me, and I have never experienced the happiness of giving and witnessing as I do today. When we ask Him, and we believe, He will make it easy, and all those feelings your having about being inadequate, will be removed.
Love,
Misty
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/27/2008 8:42:46 PM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 17853
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
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Hi Melissa, I feel very inadequate to do what God would want us to do. Sometimes the need is so great, and I am just little old me.
_____________________________
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RE: Feeling Inadequate - 9/27/2008 9:09:59 PM
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truthrevealed
Posts: 310
Joined: 12/6/2007
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Mycatsmokey,
There's nothing like meditating on God's love for you, to strengthen you, build your confidence and establish you.
But God-so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the GREAT and WONDERFUL and INTENSE love with which He loved us...(Ephesians 2:4amp)(emphasis mine)
And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep His love really is(Ephesians 3:17-18 NLT).
And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show lovingkindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed(happy, fortunate to be envied)are all those who [earnestly]WAIT for Him, who EXPECT and LOOK and LONG for Him[for His VICTORY, His FAVOR, His LOVE, His PEACE, His JOY, and His MATCHLESS UN-BROKEN COMPAINIONSHIP]! Isaiah 30:18 amp(emphasis mine)
How precious and weighty also are your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalm 139:17 amp
My suggestion is to find all of the scriptures you can about God's immeasurable love for you, right them out Meditate on them and see if, after doing so, you're able to do anything other than say Thank You 
What an AWESOME God we serve!!!
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