To live joyfully and confidently, shift your gaze from your limitations to Jesus’ sufficiency.

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

From time to time, a sense of insufficiency will surface in all of us, but through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to combat it. Here are three steps to take:

• Acknowledge your weakness. Suppose a neighbor tells you about his sister’s life-threatening illness. He’s scared, wondering what comes after death. You sense God urging you to share your hope in Christ, but inadequacy nearly drowns out the prompting. Feeling unsure is a normal reaction, and following God’s directive requires acknowledging our fear. For example, we can pray, “Lord, I don’t feel capable. Help me witness to my neighbor.”
• Pray for strength. Say, “Father, I know this is what You want me to do, so I’m trusting You to be true to Your Word. You said you’d make me adequate in Christ Jesus.” The Lord assumes responsibility for enabling you to know what to say, how to say it, and to deliver His message in the appropriate spirit (Matthew 10:20).
• Step out in faith. Do something that propels you into the God-given opportunity, allowing Him to prove His power and your ability when relying on Him.

Let God turn inadequacy into victory. He delights in proving Himself in His children’s lives. When you look beyond your limitations to Jesus’ total sufficiency, you’ll find joy and confidence.