What other biblical figures were called by God despite feeling inadequate? Gideon: The Starting Point “ ‘The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.’ ” (Judges 6:12) • Gideon hears God’s call while threshing grain in fear. • He answers, “My clan is the weakest… I am the least” (6:15), yet God promises, “I will be with you” (6:16). Moses: “Who Am I?” • Burning bush encounter—“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (3:11). • “I am slow of speech and tongue” (4:10). • God’s answer: “I will be with you” (3:12) and He supplies Aaron as spokesman (4:14-16). Jeremiah: “I Am Only a Youth” • “Ah, Lord GOD! I do not know how to speak” (v. 6). • God touches his mouth: “I have put My words in your mouth” (v. 9). Isaiah: “Woe Is Me” • Overwhelmed by God’s holiness—“I am ruined… I am a man of unclean lips” (v. 5). • A seraph touches his lips with a coal: “Your guilt is removed” (v. 7). • Then God sends him: “Here am I. Send me!” (v. 8). Solomon: “I Am but a Little Child” • Newly crowned, he confesses inexperience. • Asks for wisdom; God grants “a discerning heart” (v. 12) and unmatched prosperity. Mary: “How Can This Be?” • Troubled by Gabriel’s greeting; asks, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (v. 34). • Told, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you” (v. 35). • Responds, “I am the Lord’s servant… may it be to me as you have said” (v. 38). Peter: “Depart from Me, for I Am a Sinful Man” • After the miraculous catch of fish, Peter feels unworthy. • Jesus replies, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men” (v. 10). Paul: “Power Perfected in Weakness” • Speaks of a “thorn in the flesh.” • Hears Christ say, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (v. 9). • Concludes, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (v. 10). Timothy: Stir Up the Gift • Young pastor battling timidity. • Paul urges, “Fan into flame the gift of God… For God has not given us a spirit of fear” (vv. 6-7). Shared Thread: God’s Presence, Not Human Strength • Each servant voices inadequacy; God answers with His presence, power, or provision. • Repeated promise: “I will be with you.” • Our confidence rests on the unchanging character of the Lord who equips those He calls. |
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