When you Don’t Feel Good Enough: Finding Hope in Christ
Pastor Kyle Veach
Feeling inadequate, unworthy, or unloved is a common experience in our lives. But have you ever considered how these feelings can affect our relationship with God? The truth is, there's hope in these moments of self-doubt, and it's found in the person of Jesus Christ. Click the link above for the full message if you want to explore further.
The Fear of Where We Stand With God
We all experience fears – fear of losing someone, fear of heights, even unusual ones like fear of pickles or clowns. But one fear that often lurks in the background, yet we seldom acknowledge, is the fear of where we stand with God. This fear usually surfaces during critical moments like a funeral, a health scare, or a near-miss accident. It's that unsettling question: "If something should happen to me, where would I spend eternity?"
This fear stems from an awareness of our shortcomings. We know we've made mistakes, and this can make us feel distant from God. But our shortcomings have never been a problem for God and His ability to speak to us. In fact, throughout all of history, God has used the most unqualified, lowly, and “distant” people to further His Kingdom. Let’s take a look at the story of Jesus and how God chooses the most inconspicuous to share the news of his birth.
Why Did Angels Appear to Shepherds?
In Luke 2:8-11, we read about angels appearing to shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus:
Luke 2:8-11 - That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
But why shepherds? They were considered lowly and despised in society. Yet, God chose to reveal the greatest news to those who were seen as unworthy.
In ancient Israel, shepherds were often outcasts. Their job made them ceremonially unclean, distancing them from the religious life of their community. They were seen as untrustworthy and were even barred from testifying in court. In essence, they were the perfect representation of those who felt unworthy, inadequate, and unloved.
Feeling Unworthy
Many of us can relate to the shepherds. We know our mistakes and failures. Like the time I, as a child, deliberately hid an item in a grocery store, which led my neighbor to call me a 'bad boy'. Such experiences, however small, can contribute to a feeling of unworthiness.
Types of Sin: Private and Public
We all carry burdens – some sins are private, known only to us, while others are public, affecting our relationships and social standing. Whether it's a secret sin or a public failure, these experiences can intensify our feelings of unworthiness, especially in our relationship with God.
Battling Feelings of Inadequacy
Shepherds in biblical times were also viewed as inadequate. They were uneducated and ranked low in the social hierarchy. Their work was not esteemed, and they were even despised by some, such as tax collectors and prostitutes. Shepherds were often avoided and untrusted. They were not welcome in many parts of society, including the temple. Imagine the loneliness and rejection they must have felt. This rejection mirrors how some of us feel – unloved and unwanted, even by those closest to us.
Today, we might feel inadequate when we compare ourselves to others. Be it in terms of knowledge, wealth, social status, or even spiritual maturity, these comparisons can make us feel insufficient and distant from God. Whether it's a spouse who has left, financial failure, or simply feeling unloved, these experiences shape our view of ourselves and can make us question God's love for us. The thought that "if people reject me, how could God accept me?" can be a significant barrier in our relationship with Him.
But Then God Shows Up
Despite all these feelings of unworthiness, inadequacy, and being unloved, God shows up. Just like He did with the shepherds. The birth of Jesus was announced to them – a symbol of hope and acceptance. It's a powerful reminder that our standing with God is not based on what we've done, but on what Jesus did for us.
The Message of 1 John 4:4
1 John 4:4 tells us, "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." This verse reassures us of our value in God’s eyes, despite our feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness.
The Good News About Jesus
The essence of Christmas and the message of the gospel is that we are made right with God not by our deeds, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:20-22 clarifies that no one can earn God's acceptance by observing the law. Instead, it is by placing our faith in Christ that we are justified.
Romans 3:20-22 - For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
The law's purpose is not to make us righteous but to show us our need for a Savior. This realization is crucial in understanding our need for Christ.
Embracing Faith in Christ Alone
Romans 3:22 provides the comforting truth: "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." This verse is a beacon of hope for everyone who has ever felt unworthy, inadequate, or unloved.
The Universal Reach of God’s Love
The choice of shepherds as the recipients of the greatest news in history underscores a profound truth: No one is too far from God's reach, too low for His love, or has sinned too greatly for His grace. Christianity is not about religion or law but a relationship of love with Jesus.
God’s Message for Everyone
The announcement of Jesus' birth to shepherds in a field rather than to royalty in a palace was a deliberate act by God to show that His love and grace are available to everyone, regardless of their social standing or past mistakes. The story of the shepherds is a testament to how Jesus changes everything. Once they encountered Jesus, their story became one of hope and redemption – a story they eagerly shared with others.
Further Reading
For those who want to delve deeper into understanding God's grace and love, consider these resources:
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning - A profound book that explores the depths of God's unconditional love and grace.
Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine by Max Lucado - Max Lucado delves into the concept of grace and how it impacts our everyday lives.
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out last week’s message titled, "Where were you born?" by Pastor Kyle Veach from View Church. Watch it here.
For additional resources, including bible studies and insightful videos, visit our resources page.