When You Feel Inadequate

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Have you ever faced a moment when the task ahead seemed far beyond your ability? Life has a way of placing us in situations where our strength feels small and our confidence even smaller. In those moments, I often return to Philippians 4:13—not as a slogan, but as a lifeline.

Paul’s words here are often quoted, but not always understood. He wasn’t boasting in his own resolve or ability. He was resting in Christ’s. The strength Paul leaned on wasn’t internal, it was eternal. His message is simple yet profound:

Victory is not achieved through self-sufficiency, but through dependency on God.

Paul had learned that personal strength, wisdom, and even status meant nothing without the sustaining power of Christ. His success in hardship, his endurance in suffering, and his joy in lack all pointed to a singular truth that Jesus was enough.

Many believers wrestle with the idea that they must feel strong or whole before God can use them. But Scripture tells a different story. Look at the heroes of Hebrews 11—Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Gideon. They were fearful, flawed, and sometimes deeply broken. And yet, God declared them victorious—not because they were perfect, but because they had faith in His power.

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to feel adequate to be useful. You don’t have to be fearless to be faithful. And you don’t have to be whole to be held by the One who is.

God isn’t limited by your weakness—He works through it.

With Gratitude, Pastor Jesse