Feeling Spiritually Inadequate (Not Enough for God)
Real Struggles With Real Solutions • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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INTRODUCTION:
Many Christians live with quiet, hidden struggle: the belief that they are not enough for God to use.
They compare themselves to others, focus on their weaknesses, and conclude that God must surely want someone more gifted, more spiritual, more experienced, or more worthy.
This struggle matters because:
It paralyzes disciples of Christ from stepping into God’s calling.
It distorts their identity in Christ.
It limits their spiritual growth.
It robs the church of needed gifts.
It contradicts what Scripture teaches about God’s power in weakness.
The Bible speaks directly to this struggle.
Many of God’s greatest servants — Moses, Jeremiah, Gideon, Peter and even Paul— all felt spiritually inadequate.
Yet God used them powerfully not because of their strength, but because of His.
This sermon will show what the Bible says about spiritual inadequacy, the biblical solution, how to apply it, and how the church can support those who struggle.
BODY
Many of God’s Servants Felt Inadequate.
One of the most encouraging truths in Scripture is that nearly every major servant of God began their calling with a deep sense of inadequacy.
This struggle is not a sign of spiritual immaturity — it is a sign of human weakness meeting divine calling.
The Bible does not hide the insecurities of God’s people; instead, it highlights them to show that God’s power is not limited by human weakness.
Moses felt inadequate because of his past and his perceived limitations.
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
Moses had a complicated past — raised in Pharaoh’s house, rejected by his own people, guilty of killing an Egyptian, and living in exile for forty years.
When God called him, Moses immediately looked inward and saw:
His failures — (Exodus 2:11-15).
Moses carried the weight of his past sin — killing an Egyptian — and the rejection of his own people.
Killing an Egyptian
12 So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.
The result of killing an Egyptian was the rejection of his own people.
14 Then he said, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” So Moses feared and said, “Surely this thing is known!”
Moses was afraid and rightfully so because when Pharaoh heard of this matter, he sought to kill Moses.
15 When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well.
Why this matters:
Moses’ past failure made him inappropriately believe he was disqualified from future usefulness.
His weaknesses (Exodus 3:11)
Moses immediately focused on his inadequacy rather than God’s sufficiency.
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
Why this matters:
Moses saw himself as weak, unworthy, and incapable — a common root of spiritual inadequacy.
His lack of eloquence (Exodus 4:10).
Moses believed his speaking ability made him unusable.
10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
Why this matters:
Moses assumed God needed a polished communicator, not a willing servant.
His lack of influence (Exodus 3:13; 4:1).
Moses believed he had no credibility with either Israel or Pharaoh.
Moses believed that Israel would question his authority, and he feared this would hinder his effectiveness, making him feel unqualified to speak on God’s behalf.
13 Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”
Moses also believed that Israel would not believe him or listen to his voice, and he feared this would hinder his effectiveness, causing him to feel unqualified to speak for God.
1 Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ”
Moses believed that Pharaoh would not heed him, and he feared this would hinder his effectiveness, making him feel unqualified to speak on God’s behalf.
12 And Moses spoke before the Lord, saying, “The children of Israel have not heeded me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?”
Why this matters:
Moses assumed that because people had rejected him before, they would reject him again — including Pharaoh.
His past rejection shaped his expectations of future failure.
His lack of confidence (Exodus 4:13).
Even after God’s reassurances, Moses still doubted himself.
Why this matters:
Moses’ final objection shows deep insecurity — he believed someone else would always be better suited.
Moses believed his limitations disqualified him.
But God was not looking for a polished speaker — He was looking for a willing servant.
Moses’ inadequacy became the stage for God’s sufficiency.
Jeremiah felt inadequate because of his youth and inexperience.
6 Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”
Jeremiah’s struggle was not moral failure — it was fear of responsibility.
He felt to young, too inexperienced, too unprepared to speak for God.
His objection reveals a common human fear:
“I am not ready.”
God’s response —
7 But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.
Jeremiah’s inadequacy was not a barrier to God — it was an opportunity for God to show that calling does not depend on age, experience, or human credentials.
Why this matters:
Jeremiah shows that many disciples of Christ may disqualify themselves because they focus on what they lack rather then on the God who calls them.
His example reminds us that God’s calling is not limited by age, experience, or human credentials.
Gideon felt inadequate because he saw himself as insignificant.
15 So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”
Gideon’s struggle was identity-based.
He did not see himself as a warrior — he saw himself as:
The least important member of the least important family in the least important tribe.
He was threshing wheat in a winepress — hiding, not fighting.
11 Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”
But God called him “a mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12) before Gideon ever acted like one.
Gideon teaches us that God sees what we can become, not just what we currently are.
Why this matters:
Gideon teaches us that God sees potential where we see weakness.
God calls us based on what He intends to do through us, not on how we see ourselves in the moment.
Peter felt inadequate because of his sinfulness.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
Peter’s inadequacy came from shame.
After witnessing the miraculous catch of fish, he suddenly saw the holiness of Jesus and the sinfulness of himself.
Peter’s instinct was to pull away from Jesus, believing he was unworthy to be near Him.
But Jesus responded with grace:
10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”
Peter’s story shows that God’s calling is not hindered by our past sins — it is transformed by His grace.
Why this matters:
Peter’s reaction shows that many disciples of Christ may pull away from God because they feel unworthy.
His story proves that God’s grace overcomes our shame and that past sin does not disqualify us from future service.
Paul acknowledged his inadequacy openly.
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
Paul was highly educated, deeply committed, and incredibly gifted — yet he openly confessed that he was not sufficient in himself.
His adequacy came from God.
Why this matters:
Paul’s honesty teaches us that spiritual adequacy is not about self-confidence — it is about God.
Even the most gifted servants of God must rely entirely on His strength, not their own.
Feeling inadequate does not disqualify you — it positions you for God’s power.
God’s Presence and Power Overcome Our Inadequacy.
When God calls someone, He never points them to their own strength.
He always points them to His presence and His power.
The Scriptures consistently show that the solution to spiritual inadequacy is not self-confidence — it is confidence in God.
God does not remove our weaknesses: He fills them with His strength (and we experience that strength when we are willing to depend on Him).
There is a consistent pattern in Scripture.
God calls Moses — Moses must obey.
God empowers Gideon — Gideon must step out.
God strengthens Paul — Paul must rely on Him.
God gives grace — we must receive it.
God gives the Spirit — we must walk in the Spirit.
God fills us with His strength — but we must be willing to depend on Him.
Below are four biblical truths that show how God’s presence and power overcome our inadequacy.
God’s Presence Is the Answer to Our Inadequacy.
12 So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
When Moses said, “Who am I?” (Ex. 3:11) God did not respond by boosting Moses’ self-esteem.
He responded by saying instead, “I will certainly be with you” (Ex. 3:12).
God’s presence is the greatest answer to human weakness.
Moses basically said, “I can’t.”
God said, “I will.”
Moses basically said, “I’m not enough.”
God said, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Ex. 3:14).
Why this matters:
God never calls us to do anything alone.
His presence is the guarantee of our adequacy.
God Equips Those He Calls.
12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”
Moses believed his lack of eloquence disqualified him.
God responded by promising:
His presence (“I will be with your mouth”).
His instruction (“I will teach you what you shall say”).
God does not call the equipped—He equips the called.
This pattern is seen throughout Scripture:
Jeremiah:
9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
The apostles:
20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Paul:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
Disciples of Christ:
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Why this matters:
God never asks us to bring our own strength—only our obedience. He supplies the rest.
In our cases he supplies the word so we can know how to live and be obedient through study and application.
God Delights in Using the Weak.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
God intentionally chooses:
The Weak
The Overlooked
The Ordinary
The Unlikely
Why?
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
God gets the glory when weak people do strong things through Him.
This is why He chose:
Moses the fugitive
Gideon the fearful
David the shepherd boy
Peter the fisherman
Paul the persecutor
Why this matters:
Your weakness is not a liability—it is an opportunity for God to display His power.
God’s Strength Is Made Perfect in Our Weakness
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul did not say:
“My strength is made perfect in strength.”
“My strength is made perfect in talent.”
“My strength is made perfect in confidence.”
God said:
“My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Paul response:
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul learned to embrace his weakness because it was the doorway to God’s power.
Why this matters:
God does not remove all weakness—He fills it with His power so that Christ is seen, not us.
How to Walk in God’s Strength Instead of Your Inadequacy.
God’s strength is not automatic.
It is available, promised, and sufficient — but we must learn to walk in it.
Scripture shows us several practical steps that shift our focus from our weakness to God’s power.
Stop Focusing on Your Limitations and Start Focusing on God’s Strength.
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul did not deny his weakness — he redirected his focus.
Weakness is not the problem.
Focusing on weakness is the problem.
Paul learned to boast in his weakness because it positioned him to experience Christ’s power.
Practical Application:
When you fell inadequate, quote Scripture instead of rehearsing your limitations.
Replace “I can’t” with “God can.”
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Pray: “Lord, show Your strength in my weakness today.”
Why this matters:
You cannot walk in God’s strength while staring at your own weakness.
Step Out in Obedience Even When You Fell Unqualified.
12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”
God didn’t wait for Moses to feel confident.
He simply said, “Go.”
Obedience activates God’s empowerment.
Peter did not walk on water until he stepped out (Matt. 14:22-23).
Gideon did not become a warrior until he tore down the altar (Judges 6).
Jeremiah did not become a prophet until he opened his mouth (Jer. 1:6-7).
Practical Application:
Serve even when you feel unready.
Pray for someone even when you feel inadequate.
Say yes to God before you feel qualified by his grace.
Why this matters:
God’s strengthens those who obey, not those who wait to feel strong.
Rely on God’s Presence, Not Your Performance.
14 And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Moses understood something profound.
God’s presence is more important than Moses’ ability.
God’s presence is more powerful than Moses’ weakness.
Your confidence must come from who is with in you, not from what you can do.
Practical Application:
Begin each day acknowledging God’s presence.
Pray before every task: “Lord, go with me.”
Measure success by faithfulness.
Why this matters:
When you rely on God’s presence, inadequacy loses its power.
Use the Gifts God Has Given You — Even If They Seem Small.
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
God never asks you to use gifts you don’t have.
He asks you to use the ones He gave you.
Moses had a staff — God used it.
David had a sling — God used it.
The widow had a jar of oil — God used it.
The boy had five loaves — God used them.
Practical Application:
Identify your gifts.
Use them consistently.
Don’t compare your gifts to others.
Why this matters:
God’s strength flows through the gifts He gave you, not the ones you wish you had.
That being said there is nothing wrong with growth and growing in the gifts you have or developing the gifts you don’t seem to have.
Replace Comparison With Calling.
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
Comparison is one of the greatest killers of spiritual confidence.
Gideon compared himself to his family (Judges 6:15).
Jeremiah compared himself to older prophets (Jer. 1:6).
Moses compared himself to better speakers (Ex. 4:10).
God never asked them to be someone else — He asked them to be faithful.
Practical Application:
Stop measuring your calling by someone else’s calling.
Celebrate others without diminishing yourself.
In order to celebrate your gift you need to understand and use your own gifts.
Focus on what God has assigned to you.
Why this matters:
You cannot walk in God’s strength while trying to walk in someone else’s calling.
What does God think of you trying to walk in someone else’s calling.
In Numbers 16 Korah tried to walk in someone else’s calling.
He tried to walk in Moses’ calling.
Here is what God thought of that.
31 Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods. 33 So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly.
How the Church Can Help Those Who Feel Inadequate
Affirm their calling
Encourage with Scripture
Provide opportunities to grow
Walk alongside them
Celebrate progress
Pray for them
Provide leadership.
The church is a place where the weak are strengthened.
Conclusion:
Spiritual inadequacy is a real struggle — but God has a real solution.
He delights in using ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Your weakness is not liability; it is an opportunity for God’s strength to shine.
Call to action:
Step forward in faith.
god is not looking for perfection — He is looking for surrender.
