What if I am Not Good Enough? The Man/Woman in the Mirror!
From kindergarten to the boardroom, from the back pew to the pulpit, many hearts whisper the same fear: “What if I’m not good enough?”
There is one answer.
People sometimes imagine pastors calmly writing a sermon and delivering it with ease. No sweat, no struggle. It’s rarely like that.
Evan (a fictitious name, true story) pastors a church where the membership is shrinking. Some members moved to new neighborhoods, some retired out of state, and many younger families started attending trendier churches. Every Sunday, Evan wonders who will show up, even online.
At home, the pressure continues. His wife is tired of the sacrifices and urges him, “Close the church and focus on us.” His denomination’s leadership hints that he should retire and make room for someone younger and cheaper. Nearing retirement age, Evan quietly asks himself, “What if I’m not good enough? Am I obsolete?”
Peter knew this feeling. He and his co-workers fished all night and caught nothing. Exhausted and frustrated, they were packing up when Jesus told them to go back out and let down their nets. They didn’t need a pep talk; they needed sleep. Their skill and effort had failed. It was as if the sea told them, “Give up, you’re not good enough.”
Still, they unenthusiastically obeyed Jesus. The result? So many fish that their nets began to break. Shocked and overwhelmed, Peter fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” But Jesus answered, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” They pulled their boats to shore, left everything, and followed him (Luke 5:8, 10–11).
When a Christian looks in the mirror, it is vital that the first face we see is not our own—our weakness, pain, limitations, loss, doubts—but see instead the face of Jesus: his love, his sacrifice, his victory, his power.
The question: “What if I’m not good enough?”
The answer: On our own, we aren’t. “Without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
But that is not the end of the story: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
So, like Evan, look again in the mirror. See Jesus smiling back at you, fully able and fully willing to carry you through. As long as you’re breathing, Jesus has more for you to do on this earth.
Be encouraged: Jesus is more than good enough—especially for you.
