“I’m not qualified.”
In my opinion, this is the biggest lie that women believe when they’re thinking about doing ministry or joining a leadership team.
This thought first entered my mind when I was in high school.
I was trying to figure out what God was calling me to do. I was confused, unsure, and it did not help that people always asked me, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”
Adults frequently ask this question. In high school, kids are between 14-18 years old. How do they expect someone to know what he or she wants to do for the rest of his or her life at such a young age?
During my 10th grade year of high school, I started to get the call that God wanted me to go into ministry. What ministry has meant to me has changed over the years, but I knew two things: that I wanted to help people and that God was pretty cool. Combining those two things seemed like a perfect option! But I believed a lie that I was not qualified.
So, when I was asked that question, I felt embarrassed to share with others my heart desire for my career, so I would always reply, “Orthodontist.”
This was the safest way to go. If I would say, “I don’t know.” Then, I would get additional questions, “Well, what is your favorite subject? Did you like math? How about teaching? Etc… Thus, I realized the safest thing to do was reply, “Orthodontist.” There were no follow up questions, just a nod of agreement and maybe an encouraging statement.
For a high schooler, it is extremely difficult to fully trust God with this subject. It is difficult to share with others when you are not 100% sure that this is what you will do. Students also worry about what others will think of their choice. I worried people would not understand or try and talk me out of it.
When I was thinking about going into ministry, I believed the lie that one had to be perfect. How could I help people in their walks with God when I was not perfect?
Again, when I was asked to lead a Bible study in Cru my freshman year of college I did not want to step up and lead because I thought I was not qualified. How can I lead other women when I have my own issues to work through?
It is common to respond to God by saying, “I can’t. I’m not qualified.” I’ve heard this in high school. I’ve heard this in college.
My response now is, “Well what is qualified? Name one person in the Bible who was qualified.”
Abraham lied about Sarah.
Moses stuttered.
Noah was a drunk.
Jacob was a liar.
Joseph was abused by his brothers.
Rahab was a prostitute.
Jeremiah was said to be too young.
David had an affair.
Elijah was suicidal.
The Samaritan woman had multiple divorces.
Jonah ran away from God.
Peter denied Jesus.
The disciples fell asleep while praying.
And there are more examples found all over scripture!
Friends, if you are thinking of going into ministry, leading a Bible study, or joining the leadership team at your church, I want you to remember one thing: God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
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33 Comments on I’m Not Qualified | The Biggest Lie Women Believe
3Pingbacks & Trackbacks on I’m Not Qualified | The Biggest Lie Women Believe
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[…] in June, I wrote a post titled, “I’m not qualified”, about how we quickly believe the lie that we are not qualified for any leadership role. Think back […]
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[…] If you are doubting the power of God, spend some time journaling and praying through these verses. You can also read two of my other posts about this topic: Stop Limiting God and “I’m not qualified”. […]
Anonymous
at (11 years ago)That was your very best article that I have read. It is the most important point of your life’s calling. Don’t worry if you made the correct decision, make your decision correct. Love always wins!!
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)Thank you!
Jacqueline F. Holmes
at (11 years ago)Beautiful, Joy! Great title for this post – I went through this as well and I just had to trust the nudging of my heart. The peace it brings when you just step out. He got us. He just needs us to step. Thank you for helping others who will read this.
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)Thanks for the comment Jacqueline! =]
cort0088
at (11 years ago)Good thoughts. We can never measure up to anything apart from Him. He will give us everything we need to do the work that He has called us to though. We just need to keep pursuing Him.
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)SO true! Thanks for the comment =]
normaleverydaylifeblog
at (11 years ago)So true! I’ve rarely felt qualified for the things I’ve been asked to do, but I’ve always found that God has given me the ability to complete that tasks he’s called me to do. Thanks for sharing at Motivational Monday!
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)That is awesome that God gives you the strength! Thanks for the comment!
I Give God all the Glory
at (11 years ago)Joy,
Amen. This message is timely for my recent high school graduate who is overwhelmed by this very subject. He says, “Mom, I’m trying to be patient and let God lead me where He needs me but I don’t get any response from Him and I have no idea what to do with my life. How do I know if He does respond? How do I know He’s going to answer me? I know His way is best but how long should I wait on Him?” I smile and try to reassure him, “As long as it takes honey, as long as He takes! Hang in there kiddo!”
God bless you 🙂
Jennifer – I Give God All The Glory
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)Thank you so much for your comment! I can’t wait to hear what God is calling him to do. It is awesome that your son wants to do God’s will! What a blessing! You should write a blog post about that convo. It would be great for others with the same questions.
I Give God all the Glory
at (11 years ago)Yeah, that’s true, good idea! God bless sweetie!
Phylicia
at (11 years ago)I LOVE this Joy. I was told by a friend of mine last year that I can’t go into ministry because of my past. I struggled with those words (and still do) for months. This post is so beautiful. I forwarded it on to a lady who just emailed me with questions about this!
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)Awe thank you Phylicia! It is something I struggled with for a while. Thank you for your comment and for sharing it 🙂
Jen Ferguson
at (11 years ago)I think there is such hope and freedom in this post. And it made me giggle a bit — “orthodontist” being a safe answer. So glad you pressed through the lie to the truth and that you shared it with SDG.
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)Haha glad you giggled 🙂 thanks for the comment!
sarahann1977
at (11 years ago)Joy,
This was exactly what I needed to hear! I am a new blogger and really believe that God has called me to use it as a platform to spread the Gospel. I feel unworthy of this charge and like your post stated, very unqualified. Thanks for reminding me that God uses us all, despite our flaws! You can find me at faithalongtheway.com.
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)Thanks for the comment Sarah! I can’t wait to hear about how God uses you through your blog!
kortneystanis
at (11 years ago)I totally agree. None of us are perfect, and for some reason we think God wants perfection. Praise God He doesn’t! Visiting from Soli deo Gloria
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)Thanks for the comment! =]
Daniela
at (11 years ago)Great blog entry thanks for telling me about it on my Pinterest page. This speaks to me on so many levels…. Keep up the great work edifying your ministry and audience.
Beckey
at (11 years ago)Lovely post! This is my first visit (found you via pinterest) I always think of Paul. Is there anyone who could have felt more ashamed of his past and less qualified to share the Gispel than the one who had worked so hard to condemn and persecute the followers of Jesus? But he didn’t! He walked the path God set him on in faith and obedience.
Beckey
http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbsbusywork
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)Hey Beckey! I’m so glad you found my blog on Pinterest! And that you are now following it 🙂 I hope the posts will encourage you on your walk with God.
christenwypy
at (11 years ago)Great point! I love this!
Trudy Den Hoed
at (11 years ago)Thank you, Joy, for encouraging me today by reminding me that “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.” That “I’m not qualified” can pull the plug on so many dreams. So glad God showed you differently. I see you will graduate this December. Praying God will guide you into ministry for Him.
Joy Skarka
at (11 years ago)Thanks for the comment! And thanks for the prayers! I do graduate in December and I’m currently thinking of going to seminary 🙂
Marissa D (@Reading_List1)
at (11 years ago)The best truth about ministry is that as long as we are focused on giving our lives to God, He has us doing his Work and that is ministry. Well put. Thank you for sharing with Cozy Reading Spot
Marissa
Kathryn Shirey
at (10 years ago)Just the post I needed to read (and re-read) tonight! I’m speaking at a women’s conference tomorrow night and the nerves are starting to take over. I’m feeling very unqualified (the main speaker on Saturday is a pro and awesome – and i’m feeling inadequate to be the lead-in, kickoff speaker). But, you’re right – God qualifies the called and I know He’ll equip me in the moment, once I step up and follow the call.
joypedrow
at (10 years ago)Hi Kathryn! How did your talk go? Im sure it went wonderfully. I’m so glad you found this and God encouraged you through this post.
Jen Dumo
at (9 years ago)Hi Joy, my name is Jen, I found your blog while randomly scrolling Pinterest. It’s a actually a habit… I read few of your blogs and surprisingly I went and I am going through the same! I know God lead me to you. I have been planning to put up a ministry bit through music and I want to be a blogger and share my story to everyone… About how God used my brokenness to be whole again. I want to inspire people but I just don’t know how to start and when after I read what you wrote, i woke up from the truth that I feel I am not qualified. I believed on that lie. This is an eye opener for me. Thank you for this. I liked your FB page and added you as friend, if that’s okay. 🙂 I can relate to your stories… Wow! God bless you!
joypedrow
at (9 years ago)Hi Jen! Thanks for the message and comment. I’m glad you found my blog. I love hearing how God works through every woman’s story. Have you started blogging / writing out your story? The best way to start blogging is to just start writing your story. Journal the cool things God does in your life. If you’re looking for a resource to help you find you voice as a blogger, I wrote an eBook – https://www.etsy.com/listing/214551113/ebook-the-joy-of-blogging-10-ways-to?ref=shop_home_feat_2
Hope that helps! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
God bless!