Why It’s Okay to Feel Ill-Equipped for This Season of Your Life

Not many of us feel equipped or prepared for the life we live.

Whether we’re in the early stages of parenthood, handling singleness in our thirties, entering the empty nesting years, moving into retirement, or in the latter years of life, we seldom feel prepared for what we face and how we are to live. Every season is different, but each equally strange, and in a way, undefined.

Seasons of Confusion

When we became parents for the first time, my husband and I brought our little bundle home after a week in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, laid him on our bed, looked at each other, and uttered the words I believe every new parent at least thinks, “Now what do we do?”

We learned of course as all parents do. But the time was confusing and uncertain. As we stepped into our role as parents, though, God equipped us for the task day by day.

When we became parents of a daughter with disabilities, I felt ill-equipped to fill the role of a special needs mother (still often do). However, God had prepared me emotionally to handle the grief and strengthens me each day for what I have to do.

As my boys were preparing to enter adulthood, and I had a bit more free time, God placed a new calling on my heart: to minister to and encourage others through writing. I had no idea what that might look like or involve, and frankly, didn’t want to find out. But in obedience, I began writing. Day by day, I lean on His wisdom and direction to know what to do and how to do it.

When my children started leaving home two years ago, my identity threatened to go with them. I was a mother … their mother. Who would I be without them in my home to raise? However, God has been faithful to remind me that I am first of all His child. My first identify is Daughter of the King, heir to the Kingdom as a follower of Jesus Christ. He daily shows me how to live out that identity.

Now, my husband and I are looking not too far down the road to empty nesting and retirement. We are faced with decisions not only about our future, but our daughter’s as well. Questions far outnumber the answers. Still, God is faithful to walk with us moment by moment. 

Equipped in God

I always thought I’d feel more settled and prepared for life the older I got. But there hasn’t been one season in my life where I’ve felt confident to handle it. And I doubt (and actually hope) there won’t ever be.

Because I believe God planned it that way for one important reason. If we’re confident in our ability to handle our lives, we’ll have little reason to depend on Him.

Feel insecure and ill-equipped for your life? It's supposed to be that way because if we're confident in our ability to handle our lives, we'll have little reason to depend on God. Share on X

Times when I’ve felt the least equipped are the times I’ve truly been the most prepared. Because then I lean on the one who knows the ending. I depend on the God who planned out my life.

Seasons when I've felt the least equipped are the times I've truly been the most prepared. Because then I lean on the one who knows the ending. I depend on the God who planned out my life. Share on X

Are you facing a season where you feel overwhelmed, unsettled, perhaps even unqualified or helpless? Believe me when I say you are right where God needs you … and you’re certainly not alone. God’s with you, and many of us are cheering you on even as we struggle with similar issues. 

Are you facing a season where you feel overwhelmed, unsettled, perhaps even unqualified or helpless? Believe me when I say you are right where God needs you ... and you're certainly not alone. Share on X

We all feel ill-equipped at times if we’re honest. There are scores of biblical examples too.

Just look at Moses. He was nigh on 80 and hand chosen  by God (Moses heard directly from Him even.) yet still questioned his worthiness and preparedness for leading the Israelites out of Egypt. God simply assured him as He assures you and me, “I am the LORD” (Exodus 6:2; 6:29) and “I will certainly be with you” (Exodus 3:12a).

A Life of Purpose and Value in Christ

As Christians, we are never left to do life alone, and every season is filled with purpose and value. We don’t have to figure it all out or feel equipped to handle it on our own. In fact, we shouldn’t expect to. The Lord is faithful to provide, and He is with each of us. That’s all we need. That’s more than enough.

As Christians, we are never left to do life alone, and every season is filled with purpose and value. We don't have to figure it all out or feel equipped to handle it on our own. In fact, we shouldn't expect to. The Lord is faithful to provide! Share on X

I’ll leave you with a few verses to ponder as you trust in Him and Him alone to equip and prepare you.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV

“This is what the Lord says:
‘The wise person should not boast in his wisdom;
the strong should not boast in his strength;
the wealthy should not boast in his wealth.
²⁴ But the one who boasts should boast in this:
that he understands and knows me—
that I am the Lord, showing faithful love,
justice, and righteousness on the earth,
for I delight in these things.
This is the Lord’s declaration.'” Jeremiah 9:23-24, CSB

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
    whose trust is the Lord.
⁸ He is like a tree planted by water,
    that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
    for its leaves remain green,and is not anxious in the year of drought,
    for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8, ESV

Lord, many of us are in seasons where we feel ill-equipped. We don’t feel up for the task. We don’t believe we have anything to offer. We’re not wise enough or strong enough for what the season asks for. Our list of disqualifications is endless. Yet You called us here, and by Your wisdom, knowledge, abilities, and strength we can walk confidently through it. We are equipped in Your power and might, not our own. All praise, honor, and glory to You! In Jesus’ name, Amen! 

Reflections: What season of life are you in? When you feel unsettled and ill-equipped (as I’m certain you will from time to time), thank God for that and use it as an opportunity to thank Him for His constant presence, wisdom, and strength for the journey. Ask Him what next step He has for you, and then walk forward in His confidence.