June 10, 2019
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Do you ever feel inadequate? Sometimes, as believers, we are called to do certain things that seem terribly above our natural ability and certainly beyond our comfort zones. Yet, God does not check our resume nor our skill set to call us into Kingdom action. He looks for the presence of the Holy Spirit in us; he checks our hearts and reviews our motives. In the Spirit, we can be and do all things to which God calls us. He knows that all too well, but we have to learn to trust God’s power.
Yesterday, we celebrated Pentecost; the coming of the Holy Spirit to bring power to the believers for sharing the gospel message. So, when you are tempted to feel inadequate, don’t shrink back and be disobedient to the call. Simply, stop looking at yourself and start calling on the Spirit to take the lead. He is well able to guide you and me to serve the heart of the Father.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Paul’s Reliance on Spiritual Power
2 My brothers and sisters, when I first came to proclaim to you the secrets of God, I refused to come as an expert, trying to impress you with my eloquent speech and lofty wisdom. 2 For while I was with you I was determined to be consumed with one topic—Jesus, the crucified Messiah. 3 I stood before you feeling inadequate, filled with reverence for God, and trembling under the sense of the importance of my words. 4 The message I preached and how I preached it was not an attempt to sway you with persuasive arguments but to prove to you the almighty power of God’s Holy Spirit. 5 For God intended that your faith not be established on man’s wisdom but by trusting in his almighty power.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit, my helper and my sufficiency. I give you my feelings of inadequacy and rejoice in the gift of the Spirit you provided to bring victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.