Inadequacy and Fulfillment

Have you ever felt inadequate? Not worthy to do something or not feeling wanted? Don't worry. You're definitely not alone. I have felt that so many times in my life, and despite what the world will tell you, God is the only place you can find true meaning that is worth you.
Now what made me think of this was when I was reading through Judges, I came across Gideon. Gideon is the typical bible story where he comes from nothing and God uses him to do something great (which I still think is awesome). In the time of Gideon, the Midianites had control over the land of Israel because Israel had turned to idols. But God called on Gideon to rise up and rescue them from Midian. Gideon's response was as followed.
 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”(Judges 6:15) 

It's so obvious that Gideon doesn't think that he is worthy enough to be a leader. The part I find most intriguing, is that after God says that He will be with Gideon, Gideon still asks for God to give him a sign of assurance. This happens throughout Gideon's life. God commands Gideon to do stuff and Gideon asks for assurance. And obviously, God gives him strength and Gideon kicks butt.

But wait, there's more. Remember that Moses guy? Even after God told him that He would be with Moses, Moses still asked for something to say so the Israelites would listen to this stuttering shepherd. And God responded, "I AM who I AM. Tell the Israelites that I AM has sent you." Which I find completely awesome. Look what God did through him after that. Led his people out of Egypt and was their leader for a long time in the desert, not to mention giving him the law, parting a sea, you get the gist.

And what about that Peter guy? Wasn't he always unsure of himself? Like when he went onto the water and started sinking, or that time when he denied Christ three times. Yeah, you get the point. There are so many examples in the bible of inadequate people serving a fulfilling God. What I am getting at is that we do not have to have it all together. And we never will. God will fulfill us and give us meaning, purpose and strength to survive. We just need to be willing. We as Christians should have the Isaiah response to service of, "Here am I. Send me!"

Coupled along with the great commission, I think we have what we need for the right way to go about serving God.

In Matthew 28, Jesus says that all authority on heaven and earth has been given him. And Jesus also assures us that he will be with us to the very end of the age. So I echo what Christ commanded us, "Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

So go.