Some Bible characters portrayed themselves as people felt inadequate when God called or chose them to execute a mission. The stories of these good men remind us of the fact that even those God chooses can doubt themselves. But God guided and assured them, helping them overcome doubts to fulfill their callings. Let’s visit their stories in the Bible.
Moses
Prophet Moses was one of the greatest prophets of Israel by whose hands God brought the Israelites out of Egypt. However, earlier, when God called Moses and sent him on the mission to free the Israelites from Egypt, he was reluctant to go because he doubted his ability to do the job. Hence he said, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Ex 3:11-12). His feeling of inadequacy was centered on his speech impediment, his past life, and the fear of rejection. After, God’s assurance and the appointment of Aaron to be his spokesman, he finally overcame his feelings of inadequacy and went on the Lord’s errand.
Gideon
Another Bible character who felt inadequate was Gideon. When God gave him the mission to command the army of Israel against their Midianite enemies, Gideon opinion about himself with regard to mission was that he was too little and not the right person for the job. Hence he said, “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.” (Judges 6:15 NKJV). And he was full of doubt about his calling. Later, he asked for multiple signs to confirm that God really want to use him to bring victory to Isreal (Jg 6:36-40). Then he embraced his calling and led the Israeli army to victory.
Jeremiah
Jeremiah was a prophet of Israel who was prophesying from the days of King Josiah. He became a renouned prophet in his day. However, earlier, he also struggled with feelings of inadequacy. When God called him into the prophetic ministry, he looked down on himself and thought he was too young and inexperienced for the prophetic ministry and to deliver God’s messages to the people. So he said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” (Jeremiah 1:6 NKJV). He willingly embraced his ministry after God assured him that He had chosen him for this purpose and would be with him every step of the way. Reference Jeremiah 1
Mary the mother of Jesus
Lastly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, initially felt inadequate when she was told that she would give birth to the Son of God. One day, Angel Gabriel visited Mary and broke the new to her that she would give birth to the Jesus, the Savior of mankind. At that time, Mary was not living with her husband yet and she questioned how it could be possible for her to bear a child since she was a virgin. Hence she said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34 NKJV). Mary williing embraced her role as the mother of the Son of God when the angel assured her that, though she had had no sex with a man, God would make it possible for her to bear a son. Reference Luke 1:26-38
Conclusion
These examples from the Bible show that even revered Bible figures experienced moments of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy at the time they received their calling. However, they also showed us how faith in God’s plan can help individuals overcome these feeling of indequacy and insecurities so that we can fulfill our calling.