"Only the inadequate are adequate."

This is a quote from one of Tim Keller's sermons on the book of Mark. I had heard the talk for the first time about a month and a half ago, and I'm glad I got to hear it again. The context is Mark 6:30-44, which tells the story of Jesus having a "picnic" with well over five thousand men, women, and children. When his disciples suggest to send the crowd away so that they can find food for themselves, Jesus responds by saying, "You give them something to eat." Jesus tells the inadequate to do the impossible.

God never asks us to be sufficient. He never commands that we ought to be perfect. Yet all of our inadequacies, weaknesses, and shortcomings are not enough to keep us from being His beloved children. We are inadequate, I am inadequate, I know, but His grace covers you and me. Though the tasks set before me are impossible, I will still do the things You ask of me.

Our adequacy isn't in and of ourselves, but comes from the one who is and is our all. That's exciting, not only because I'm lacking, but because everyone is. No one is adequate, but by His grace, everyone is.