Lord, Speak through Me?

Have you ever felt inadequate?

Silly Question: most of us have, at least at times.

In his book, The Prayer of Jabez, Bruce Wilkinson talks about a time he felt inadequate: out of control and weak. He told his feelings to a trusted older man, who said “that feeling you are running from is called dependence. It means you are walking with Jesus.” Wilkinson replied in awe, “You mean the feeling that I just can’t do it is what I’m supposed to be feeling?” His mentor indicated it was.

If we are adequate in ourselves, why would we need Jesus? The reason we are called to be disciples of Jesus is not so we can show the world how wonderful we are. God wants us to show the world how wonderful Jesus is.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He doesn’t expect us to figure things out by ourselves. He will give directions and explain truth to us if we only ask.

Jesus also said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV). The branches don’t put forth a lot of effort in themselves, do they? They are just available for the sap to flow through, and then the fruit comes.

Jesus told the Apostle Paul, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ … when I am weak, then I am strong.” (I Corinthians 12:9–10, NIV). We can’t be what we were created to be without the Spirit of God flowing through us. Our part is to yield to him. To ask Him to do his will in us and through us. Then he will give us the ability to obey whatever he asks us to do.

I wrote the following poem when I felt inadequate to be what I believed God wanted me to be. It is one of many in my book, Songs & Poems from a Yielded Heart. (See books page).

The Spokesman

Assailed by inadequacies, I wonder, How can I do anything effectively?

Yet the stars and all creation praise You without a voice.

Moses, assailed by inadequacies, spoke because You, Almighty God, made his voice and called him.

Flawed disciples, filled with your Holy Spirit, spoke inspired truths.

Lord, You are the potter, not limited by our imperfections.

You carefully work the clay, heat, refine, beautify, and perfect it.