Am I too…?
by Sue Martindale
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” –James 1:5–6
How many times a week does doubt creep into your thoughts about yourself? It happens to me regularly with, “Am I too…?” When I was asked to consider being part of the devotion writing team, “Am I too inexperienced?” was the thought of doubt that crept into my mind. I prayed about it, and here I am writing again! When retirement gave me plenty of time on my hands, I began looking for opportunities to participate in group activities. A year ago, I was on my second loft home build team and fell three times. Was I too old to participate? Or was it that the build site was challenging? (It was the site!) I recently returned from another loft home build where I managed to stay upright and survived the 104-degree heat by staying hydrated, resting in the shade, and helping where I could. So, was I too old? Not this time!
I also keep Psalm 92:14 in mind: “They will still bear fruit in old age…” What might that fruit look like? Galatians reminds me of the fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. At any age, we can ask the Holy Spirit to grow these qualities in us and share them with those whose paths we cross.
Where in your life are you saying, “Am I too…?” Are you turning to and trusting God for wisdom when your “too” is causing you to doubt your capabilities?
While I am thinking, “Am I too old?” perhaps you may be thinking…
“Am I too…young?” Consider Jeremiah when the Lord called him to be a prophet. His first response was, “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” The Lord told Jeremiah not to say he was too young, but to go wherever He sent him and speak whatever He commanded, promising, “…for I am with you and will rescue you.” And, depending on what you are considering, take a look at 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
“Am I too…ordinary?” God has always used ordinary men and women to accomplish His purposes, as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:26–29. Not many were wise, influential, or of noble birth when called; God deliberately works through people the world might overlook. Ordinary can be extraordinary when you seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
“Am I too…weak?” Or do I sometimes feel inadequate, exhausted, limited, or incapable of doing something? Second Corinthians 12:9–10 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” We all fall short throughout our lives, even throughout our days. But as we place our trust in Jesus Christ our Savior, we can rely on His grace, which is sufficient even in our weakness.
“Am I too…far gone?” I cannot begin to guess where some of you may be with this one, but God knows. In Luke 15:11–24 the prodigal son has taken his inheritance early, squandered it, and became so desperate that he longed to eat the food given to the pigs. But then he remembers that his father's hired servants have food to spare and decides to return and ask to become one of them. But would his father accept him back? You bet he did! Jesus gives us this beautiful picture of a father running to welcome his lost son home. Our Heavenly Father is merciful and ready to forgive when we turn to Him.
“Am I too…afraid?” Are you ignoring something God has placed on your heart because you are afraid to try? Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” The command is grounded in God's presence; the Lord will be with Joshua wherever he goes. We, too, can turn to the Lord in prayer, trusting His presence wherever He is leading us to go or whatever He is leading us to do.
Take heart! God’s Word IS a lamp for our feet and a light on our path as we bring our “Am I too…?” doubts and questions to Him.
Heavenly Father, “Too” can be a dangerous word, making us doubt what we are capable of; and even making us doubt Whose we are. I pray that as I go about each day and find a “too” in front of me, Your Holy Spirit will light my path, giving me wisdom to discern where You are leading and courage to follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen!