I Have Nothing to Offer
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I’d like to be involved, but I have nothing to offer.” I understand this fear of inadequacy.
It’s a lie from the enemy. You DO have something to offer, He knows if you believed in your value, we would have The Unexplainable Church.
3 Responses to Our Fear of Inadequacy
I suffer from the same fear. Women commonly respond to this deep seated fear in one of three ways.
- They strive and strive to prove that they actually do have something to offer, all the while doubting that they actually do. (This is called Imposter Syndrome.)
- They push and push their children to succeed to ensure they will have something to offer the world as they become adults. (And end up pushing their children away.)
- They believe the lie that they have nothing to offer and retreat into themselves- wanting to get involved but continually holding back.
A dear friend recently ripped off my mask of Imposter Syndrome and you know what? I actually survived the tear. Once the lie became exposed, it lost some of its power. Not all of it, mind you. I struggle to return to truth when my fear of inadequacy rears its ugly head, but it also fueled me with anger. How could I allow the enemy and my own self-doubt to rob me of so much joy and opportunity for so many years?
Truth Over Tales
I have a sneaking suspicion Paul suffered from Imposter Syndrome. I also think John Mark pulled the “I have nothing to offer” card when they arrived at the base of the Pamphylian mountains and decided to pack up and go home. Maybe Paul’s frustration mounted doubly because, not only was he out a helpful traveling companion, he also had someone verbalizing his deepest fear, causing it to rise up within his own heart and mind. Paul, you really have nothing to offer these people. You can’t evangelize them- you didn’t even recognize Jesus until He appeared to you after years of preparing for His arrival. Are you sure you can adequately explain the Scriptures to others, when you failed to understand them yourself?
God Offers Himself
Paul’s secret to overcoming and convincing others that they too held a call upon their life? He understood the paradox of power. Alone, Paul had nothing to offer- but when he realized that, he began to draw upon God’s power- and he knew God was never inadequate! God offered Paul Himself- through the Holy Spirit dwelling within him. And He offers the same to you. And to me.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Feel like you have nothing to offer? Paul says, “Delight in that truth!” Invite God’s more than abounding adequacy to wash over your fear. Even John Mark, aka “The Deserter”, became a mighty and indispensable servant in the early church. When you feel inadequate, you are right where God’s power is strongest.
Here’s what others are saying about The Unexplainable Church: Reigniting the Mission of the Early Believers