Usefully Inadequate

{by Samantha Roose}

Recently, God has opened the door for me to be able to mentor two other high school girls, who are being homeschooled— dream come true.  I’ve always wanted to be in women’s ministry and have tried to wait patiently for the Lord’s timing, but now that the moment’s “arrived” I feel completely inadequate.

I mentioned my feelings of inability to a friend of mine who is currently a missionary in Belize with her family.  Encouraged by her advice I wanted to share it with you, too:

“I'm glad that God has given you the opportunity to mentor [these young women]. I know it feels hard, but let me give you a bit of advice, as both your friend and a missionary: Don't overstress things. You may feel inadequate or unprepared, but think about Esther. She had to have been scared to approach the king like that, but God did an incredible work through her. He used the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. And, what about Mary? How prepared can a teenager be to give birth to the Son of God!!! As if the teen years aren't emotional enough! :) So don't worry. God WILL equip you to do everything He wants you to do. I know it feels stressful, hard, new, etc., but don't let that get you down. Relax, follow God's lead, laugh a little...you don't have to be God. He's already in you, and He will work through you.”

My dear friend and sister in Christ, knows that I have the tendency to stress about EVERYTHING.  (Laughing and smiling more is also something I am working on.)  Graciously, she reminded me that stressing was NOT part of God’s intentions in allowing me to encourage His daughters.  Rather, it was to use me in my inadequacies.  My very imperfections and lack of knowledge are the exact tools that He wishes to put to use!  And, in those weaknesses He is glorified.

And, I’m so glad I don’t have to be God— I don’t think I could do it very well.  His timing IS perfect after all!

Samantha Roose is the eldest daughter of Ft. Roose, a homeschooling family of 11 children, as well as a dancer, tri-athlete, author, and harpist.  Her favorite hobbies are dancing, eating healthy, exercising, cooking and talking with her best friends—her sisters.  She is passionate about glorifying her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in EVERYTHING that she does.