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By Grace Fox
 A woman recently told me that her pastor asked her to take a church leadership role. Her first response was, "Who, me? I can't do that." "Why not?" asked the pastor. "Because...uh...because...I...I just can't!" she stammered. "I don't have proper training for that job. Besides, who would respect me as a leader?"
Sounds a little like Moses and his fear of inadequacy, don't you think? "Who, me? Sorry, God -- You've got the wrong guy. I can't speak. I can't lead. Uh-uh. No way."
Perhaps you've experienced similar thoughts. Or maybe you've heard others express the same misgivings: "I can't lead a Bible study -- I'm not a teacher." "Me -- go on a short-term missions trip overseas? No way." "I can't share my testimony in church -- I'm not a public speaker!" The fear of inadequacy is a common struggle. Why?
I believe the problem is a misplaced focus. Rather than gazing on God's power and presence, we see the size of the task, compare it to our qualifications or lack thereof, and panic. It's fueled when we compare ourselves to others. We're left feeling less pretty, less productive, and less promising, so we turn down new opportunities lest others see our perceived shortcomings.
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Sometimes pride sneaks in and causes us to avoid situations that might cause embarrassment. Rather than simply admit our inadequacy and trust God to equip us, we say 'I can't do such-and such' and run the other way. As author John Ortberg says, "we discount and bury the irreplaceable treasure God has given us."
The "who, me?" syndrome is widespread among women, but it can be overcome.
• The first step is to admit our inadequacies and ask God to equip us for the task He's given us.
• Then, we need to focus on His greatness rather than on our weaknesses -- doing so banishes fear and instills courage and confidence.
• Finally, we need to withstand the temptation to compare ourselves with others. Doing so frees us to appreciate and develop our unique giftedness and to encourage others to do the same.
The fear of inadequacy can either prevent us from embracing God's purpose for our lives, or it can become a catalyst for personal growth that results in a more intimate friendship with Him. As Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, says, "When you obey God, He will accomplish through you what He has purposed to do. When God does something through your life that only He can do, you will come to know Him more intimately. If you do not obey, you will miss out on some of the most exciting experiences of your life."
The fear of inadequacy often hinders women from using their gifts to build God's kingdom. It needn't be this way! Grace's latest book, Moving From Fear to Freedom, helps women identify and rise above the fear of inadequacy to embrace new opportunities with confidence.
January 17/2008
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