Overcoming Inadequacy: Embracing God's Call and Strength
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, Collective Church! I'm Pastor Alberto, and I'm thrilled that you've joined us today, whether you're at a Connect Group viewing party or tuning in from home or on the road. Today, we continue our series "Mind Games" with the third installment titled "I'm Not Good Enough." Have you ever felt inadequate or unworthy? Today, we explore the story of Gideon from Judges 6:7-18, a man who felt the same way but was called by God to do great things.
Gideon was hiding from the Midianites when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, calling him a "mighty hero" and assuring him that the Lord was with him. Gideon questioned this, asking why all these hardships had befallen them if God was truly with them. This is a sentiment many of us share when we face trials despite our faithfulness. Gideon felt inadequate, citing his weak clan and his lowly position within it. Yet, God assured him that He would be with him, and Gideon asked for a sign to confirm this divine encounter.
We often struggle to see ourselves through the lens of God's love and grace. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit's conviction to lead us to repentance, we let the enemy's condemnation pull us away from God's love. This leads to insecurity and a distorted self-image. To overcome this, we must renew our minds, as Romans 12 instructs, and remember that we are created in God's image (Genesis 1:26). This means we are designed to reflect His mental, moral, and social attributes.
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to fix our thoughts on what is true, good, and right. This doesn't mean ignoring life's challenges but changing our perspective to see God's hand in our circumstances. God often uses our trials to change us internally rather than altering our external situations. This was evident in Gideon's story, where God chose him despite his perceived inadequacies. God often selects the least likely candidates to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that the glory goes to Him.
As Gideon prepared for battle, God instructed him to reduce his army, separating those who were truly committed from those who were not. This teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people. Our circle can either propel us forward or hold us back. Jesus Himself experienced this when He returned to His hometown and was limited in performing miracles due to the people's lack of faith.
Words have power, and they can either build us up or tear us down. Many of us carry scars from hurtful words spoken over us, affecting our self-perception and our ability to receive God's love. We must be mindful of the words we speak and the company we keep, as these significantly impact our spiritual and emotional well-being.
In closing, if you're struggling with your thoughts and perspective, or if you need Jesus to renew your mind and heart, I encourage you to pray and seek His guidance. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you, and remember that you are a child of God, chosen and loved. If you need to make a decision for Christ today, believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and you will be saved.
### Key Takeaways
1. Struggling with Self-Worth: Many of us struggle to see ourselves through the lens of God's love and grace. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit's conviction to lead us to repentance, we let the enemy's condemnation pull us away from God's love. This leads to insecurity and a distorted self-image. To overcome this, we must renew our minds and remember that we are created in God's image, designed to reflect His mental, moral, and social attributes. [15:03]
2. Renewing Our Minds: Philippians 4:8 encourages us to fix our thoughts on what is true, good, and right. This doesn't mean ignoring life's challenges but changing our perspective to see God's hand in our circumstances. God often uses our trials to change us internally rather than altering our external situations. This shift in perspective can help us see beauty and purpose even in difficult times. [34:43]
3. God Uses the Unlikely: God often selects the least likely candidates to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that the glory goes to Him. Gideon felt inadequate, citing his weak clan and lowly position, yet God chose him to lead Israel. This teaches us that our perceived weaknesses do not disqualify us from being used by God; rather, they can be the very areas where His strength is made perfect. [36:02]
4. Choosing Your Circle: The story of Gideon also highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people. God instructed Gideon to reduce his army, separating those who were truly committed from those who were not. Our circle can either propel us forward or hold us back. We must be mindful of the company we keep, as it significantly impacts our spiritual and emotional well-being. [38:38]
5. The Power of Words: Words have the power to build us up or tear us down. Many of us carry scars from hurtful words spoken over us, affecting our self-perception and our ability to receive God's love. We must be mindful of the words we speak and the words we allow to take root in our hearts. Speaking life and truth over ourselves and others can break the chains of negative self-perception and open us up to God's transformative love. [30:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:03] - Introduction to "I'm Not Good Enough"
[15:48] - Gideon's Story Begins
[17:50] - Gideon Asks for a Sign
[19:04] - Personal Story: Feeling Inadequate
[24:26] - Perspective and Experience
[31:51] - Struggling with Condemnation
[34:43] - Renewing Our Minds
[36:02] - God Uses the Unlikely
[38:38] - Choosing Your Circle
[39:47] - The Power of Words
[42:20] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Judges 6:7-18
2. Romans 12:2
3. Philippians 4:8
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Gideon doing when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, and how did he initially respond to the angel's greeting? (Judges 6:11-13)
2. How did God reassure Gideon despite his feelings of inadequacy? (Judges 6:14-16)
3. According to Romans 12:2, what are we instructed to do with our minds, and why is this important?
4. What does Philippians 4:8 encourage us to focus our thoughts on, and how does this relate to changing our perspective?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Gideon questioned God's presence and miracles despite the angel's assurance? (Judges 6:13) [17:10]
2. How does the concept of renewing our minds in Romans 12:2 help us overcome feelings of inadequacy and insecurity?
3. In what ways does focusing on what is true, good, and right, as instructed in Philippians 4:8, help us see God's hand in our circumstances? [34:43]
4. How does the story of Gideon illustrate that God often uses the least likely candidates to accomplish His purposes? [36:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate or unworthy. How did you handle those feelings, and what could you have done differently to see yourself through God's perspective? [20:50]
2. Romans 12:2 talks about renewing our minds. What are some practical steps you can take this week to renew your mind and align your thoughts with God's truth?
3. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on positive and true things. Identify one negative thought pattern you struggle with and discuss how you can replace it with a positive, God-centered thought. [34:43]
4. Gideon surrounded himself with the right people as instructed by God. Who in your life uplifts and encourages you, and how can you spend more time with them to strengthen your faith? [38:38]
5. Words have the power to build up or tear down. Think of a recent conversation where you spoke negatively. How can you change your words to speak life and truth in future interactions? [30:35]
6. Pastor Alberto mentioned the importance of seeing ourselves as God sees us. What specific scripture or promise from God can you meditate on this week to improve your self-image? [23:09]
7. If you struggle with feeling unworthy of God's love, what steps can you take to remind yourself daily of your identity as a child of God? [21:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes
Many of us struggle to see ourselves through the lens of God's love and grace. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit's conviction to lead us to repentance, we let the enemy's condemnation pull us away from God's love. This leads to insecurity and a distorted self-image. To overcome this, we must renew our minds and remember that we are created in God's image, designed to reflect His mental, moral, and social attributes. [15:03]
Genesis 1:27 (ESV): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt inadequate or unworthy. How can you remind yourself today that you are created in God's image and loved by Him?
Day 2: Renewing Your Mind
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to fix our thoughts on what is true, good, and right. This doesn't mean ignoring life's challenges but changing our perspective to see God's hand in our circumstances. God often uses our trials to change us internally rather than altering our external situations. This shift in perspective can help us see beauty and purpose even in difficult times. [34:43]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one negative thought or belief you hold about yourself? How can you replace it with a truth from God's Word today?
Day 3: God Uses the Unlikely
God often selects the least likely candidates to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that the glory goes to Him. Gideon felt inadequate, citing his weak clan and lowly position, yet God chose him to lead Israel. This teaches us that our perceived weaknesses do not disqualify us from being used by God; rather, they can be the very areas where His strength is made perfect. [36:02]
1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you invite God to use this weakness for His glory?
Day 4: Choosing Your Circle
The story of Gideon also highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people. God instructed Gideon to reduce his army, separating those who were truly committed from those who were not. Our circle can either propel us forward or hold us back. We must be mindful of the company we keep, as it significantly impacts our spiritual and emotional well-being. [38:38]
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that uplift and encourage you in your faith? How can you spend more time with them this week?
Day 5: The Power of Words
Words have the power to build us up or tear us down. Many of us carry scars from hurtful words spoken over us, affecting our self-perception and our ability to receive God's love. We must be mindful of the words we speak and the words we allow to take root in our hearts. Speaking life and truth over ourselves and others can break the chains of negative self-perception and open us up to God's transformative love. [30:35]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: Reflect on the words you speak to yourself and others. How can you intentionally speak life and truth today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Hey Collective Church, how's it going? Pastor Alberto here, and we are so grateful that you made the decision to tune in. And hopefully if you're watching this and you're a part of the Collective Church, that you are one of our Connect Group viewing parties. Come on, if you're at a Connect Group viewing party, why don't you go ahead and give ourselves a round of applause right there where you're at. We're going to wait until you do it. But hey, we're so glad that you are at one of those parties if you are. And if you're not, hey, we're just so grateful that you're tuning in. And you made the decision to watch with us today. So whether you're watching at home or you're on the road, and if you're on the road, I hope you're keeping your hands on the steering wheel. But we're just so grateful you made the decision to tune in." [15:03]
2. "Have you ever felt like you weren't good enough to do whatever it is? Maybe it is that you've tried to do, whether it's sports, whether cooking, whether crocheting. I don't know. But have you ever felt like you're not good enough? We're going to look at a story of a man who felt that way as the Lord appeared to him and wanted to use him to do great things. But yet he found himself in a place where he didn't feel like he was good enough to be used." [15:48]
3. "I think a lot of us struggle with perspective of ourselves. I think a lot of you struggle to see yourselves the way that God sees you. I think there's a lot of you who are watching that you don't feel worthy of God's love. You don't feel worthy of his affection. You don't feel worthy to be used. You don't even feel like you're good enough to be able to do what you're currently doing now. Maybe you don't feel like you're good enough to be a husband, good enough to be a wife, good enough to be a business owner, good enough to be an employee, whatever it is, good enough to be in ministry. And the reality is often all of that are lies from the enemy." [21:45]
4. "Words hurt, man. Words mark us. How many of you remember being a child in the playground? And if I grew up in the era of your mama jokes, and there was like a book on mama jokes, like everything was your mama this, your mama that, right? I'm not going to say your mama joke because I want you to stay at the collective church. But I remember if somebody would say something, you would say, well, I'm rubber, you're glue. Whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you. How many of you guys know that that was a bunch of caca? Like words truly hurt. The Bible says that words, our tongue has the power of life or death. We can speak life over someone, or we can speak death over someone." [30:35]
5. "Perspective is related to experience. For example, I was a server at Olive Garden. You know, at the collective church when we say hey, you're here, your family, that's just one of the things that I just picked up from Olive Garden at the age of 20, that and breadsticks. But after working at Olive Garden, man, after dealing with people in the restaurant industry, more so just watching the food be cooked and there's no gross practices, but just seeing that all day and just being around that all day and just the stuff that I experienced, I'm like, I didn't eat Olive Garden for like 10 years." [24:26]
### Quotes for Members
1. "You even struggle to view yourselves through that lens of love and because you're walking in condemnation. You've allowed your sin to identify you. You've allowed your past to mark you and you feel that there's no way that God could ever love you. Even right now, you're in a situation where you're not right now. Even though you made a mistake last night, you made a mistake two nights ago, you made a mistake a week ago. Oftentimes, if we're not careful, instead of allowing the conviction of the Holy Spirit to lead us to repentance, we allow the condemnation of the enemy to pull us away from the love of God." [31:51]
2. "Think about good things. Think about pleasant things. Think about right things. Think about pure things. Think about lovely things. Praise God and be glad. That's how we should live our lives. It doesn't mean that you walk around like the super optimist that you never think that anything negative is going to happen. It's like you're going through the storm. Life is great. Stop lying. But it just means that we change the way we view our problems, the way we view others, the way we view God, and the way we view others being our problems." [34:43]
3. "Our God, He chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. He chooses the things that people cast off, and the less stands, and the have-nots, and the don't-wants, and He chooses the bad news bears. And those are the ones He chooses because those are the ones that He can get the most glory in. That's the ones that He can put back together and that they can give Him the credit because He doesn't want people that are going to take the credit for themselves. He wants people that are going to take the credit for what He's doing in their lives." [36:02]
4. "Make sure you choose your circle carefully. All right, rebrand our thoughts, rebrand our perspective. But then make sure that you're surrounding yourself with the right group of people. See, as Gideon was going to go to war, God said to Gideon, I'm not going to read the text, but it's in Judges chapter 7, verse 4 through 7. He said, hey, Gideon, you have too many people. To make it even worse, Gideon, you're the least, your tribe is the least, you're the least in your tribe, and you have too many people to fight with." [37:24]
5. "The men who took the water in their hands and lapped it like a dog, they were looking up, and they were looking around for the enemy. They were making sure that everybody was okay. They didn't want to put their hand down in distraction. They were concerned not just about themselves, but about the affairs of the army. The ones that put their hands and knees on the ground and just drank the water were only concerned about quenching their thirst in that moment. They weren't concerned about the greater good of the people or even Gideon. And God said, I can't let those people go with you because those people really aren't for you. They're for themselves." [38:38]
6. "Jesus was limited in what he could do because his circle was limiting him. Make sure you surround yourself with a group of people that see the best in themselves, see the best in you. People that are going to encourage you beyond where they're at. People that are going to push you forward. People that are going to champion you when you do better than them. Because it's not just what you do. It's what you do. It's what you do. It's what you're taking in and reading and listening to. It's who you're surrounding yourself with." [41:04]
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