Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Romans 8:37)
It is so easy to feel inadequate. So many times we look at situations in life and think “how will I ever do this?” Many characters from the Bible felt the same, initially, when presented with various tasks, but we can learn from them and by their experiences have faith to press on (Rom 15:4).
Moses had many doubts when God instructed him to go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt (Ex 3-4). He feared the people wouldn’t believe (Ex 4:1) and he doubted his own ability to speak (Ex 4:10), but his initial doubt was in himself. Exodus 3:11 says, “And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” To which God replied, “Certainly I will be with thee” in Exodus 3:12. God is there and cares for his people and helps those who trust in him to see them through (1 Pet. 5:7; 2 Cor. 3:5). Often we feel limited when we look to ourselves and not to God.
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah was to the point of giving up on life itself (vs 4). He had just won at Mount Carmel and had defeated the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18) and because of this he had to run for his life (vs 2-3). His emotions seemed to change when he realized one important thing. He thought he was the only faithful person left (vs 10) but when God told him he wasn’t (vs 18), he had renewed zeal of life. We are not alone. Not only is God with us, as he was Moses, we are part of a family of believers who love us and are here to help us (Rom 12:5-10).
Lastly, listen to what God has said more than what men say. In Acts 9, Ananias had concern about going to Saul (vs 13). Even though Saul had built a reputation, the instruction came from God, and Ananias obeyed and Saul was indeed converted.
Each of these men are in a sense like us. Initially different things caused feelings of inadequacy, but with God’s encouragement, same as we receive from His Word (Php. 4:6-13), we can be conquerors just as they were.
By Jason Barger