Have you ever had a moment or moments in your life when you have felt the sinking feeling of inadequacy? You know what I am talking about. The awful feeling in the pit of your stomach that everyone is better than you are and there is no reason whatsoever that you should try because no matter the stride…you will never be as good as they are. Well, maybe you haven’t but I know that I have many times in my life. In fact, I just had one of these moments today as I stepped foot into a large thrift store in our area for books, movies, and more with my family.
As we walked down row after row of books I felt like I was a spec on the wall or a bug on the floor that just got crushed. I thought to myself, “Why in the world did I decide to write a book? There are billions of books that have been written so why did I even try?” I kept walking and taking my fingers across the used books on the shelves of authors such as Joyce Meyers, Francis Chan, Matt Chandler, and much, much more. Deep down I admitted, “These authors are so good at what they do, I will never be like them.” Now, I am not telling you all of this to get some pats on the back or to throw a pity party for myself. I am just being honest with how I felt.
The more I thought about how small I was and the fact that there was always going to be someone better than me…whether that be at writing, parenting, putting together outfits, running, or whatever else I am mediocre at…the more I thought about how these writers felt when they first started out doing what they do today. The moment I pondered these thoughts I then asked myself these two questions, “Why did any of us write? Why did we think that there needed to be another book on the shelves?” I kept thinking, “I mean seriously, why does there need to be 100 plus books on dating or 50 books on fear or 10 books on parenting?”
Then the Lord gently reminded me, “Tiffany, you may not think that there needs to be so many books on one subject but the fact that there are so many means that more people will be reached for my fame.” Now, did He tell me this in an audible voice…no. But if you have ever gotten a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit then you know what I am talking about. He reminded me that no, I may not be Joyce Meyers or Beth Moore but those amazing ladies have their people to reach and I have my people to reach for Christ. They have their place in life and I have my place in life.
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” His word also says in 1 Corinthians 12: 18, “But now God has placed each one of the parts in one body just as He wanted.” God has put each of us where we are for a purpose on purpose. Every single person in this world has gifts, talents and treasures, and we are called to use them where He has placed us in this world for His glory.
So, why write a book when there are billions of books, and some of them might even say some of the same things as mine? Well, because the people that God calls me to reach may not be the same people that God has called Joyce Meyer, Beth Moore, Francis Chan, or any other author to reach. There may be people that would never give these people a moment of their time but will take the time to read my book. God has put the Body of Christ together the way He wanted to in order for it to do all that He has called it to do. Therefore, who am I to say that writing isn’t worth it…especially if it means giving Him glory and making Him famous among the earth.
Friend, I do not know what gifts, talents, and treasures you have, but you have been given them by God on purpose for a purpose! The things that God has given you are not “just because”. For nothing He does is by accident or wasted. No, matter how you feel…whether you have feelings of inadequacy, or doubt, or fear, or all of these combined…the task that God has given you to do in this life is so important! Please, do not see yourself as a speck on the wall or a bug on the ground about to be stepped on, but as a VITAL part of the Body of Christ!!! You matter friend! You matter to God, His mission, and you matter to those who are going to be brought to God through you! So, keep your head up and KEEP TRYING!!!
Oh yeah, and it turns out that even in these inadequate moments/feelings that we have in this life…we serve a God that specializes in dealing with inadequate people!
So…Stay encouraged friends!!!
2 Corinthians 12: 9, “But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.”
Love, Tiffany