Prodigal: This may not taste good.

Me: I am sure you will do fine.

Prodigal: I am praying.

This is from the book God Works the Night Shift from Ron Mehl

Do you hear what the apostle is saying? I can almost hear him say, “Weakness? Hey, it’s the best thing I have going for me! Listen, I’m going to RUN into these areas of weakness if it means I’m running into the strength of Jesus Christ! I’m HAPPY to admit my inadequacies and shortcomings, if it means I get to exchange my puny abilities for His!”

Frankly, I’m familiar with this concept because it’s been my experience for many years. I’m the most insecure person in the world, but I admit it. I think of so many times on my knees when I say, “Lord why do you make me do this? You know I’m not capable of doing this. You’ve made me the pastor of this church and it’s bigger than me! You’ve given me these huge responsibilities and it’s just ridiculous. If You don’t step in now, I’m a flattened possum.”

You may feel totally weak and inadequate to accomplish the task God has given you. If you will admit that fact before the Lord, He’ll cover you! God will say, “While I work in and through this insufficiency of yours, I’m going to make you look good.” But if, on the other hand, you refuse to admit your inadequacies, then- in His love–He’ll expose you. He’ll expose you for what you are. He’ll expose your weakness for what it is. Frightening thought!

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 18:11-14).

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org