Feel doubtful, fearful, and inadequate? Join the club!

Have you ever known somebody who really seemed to have it all put together? Someone who just seemed to get it, or always appeared confident? Well guess what, that person, despite how they appear, often feels doubtful and inadequate, just like you and me! Self-doubt and self-consciousness are universal human emotions, we all feel that way quite frequently, so don't feel bad if you're afraid or unsure, it happens to all of us, and you're in good company. We know that faith and fear cannot co-exist in the same person at the same time, and we strive to have that "perfect faith (that) casteth out fear," but we're imperfect, and there's a constant struggle inside of us between faith and fear. It's a natural condition of living in a fallen world. Strive for that perfect faith, let God take away your fears, but don't get down on yourself when it doesn't happen right away. Some of the greatest  men and prophets in history felt much the same way as you do. An example.

When Spencer W. Kimball received the call to be an Apostle of the Lord, he felt hugely inadequate and overwhelmed by the weight that came with such a calling. Kimball was a man who often took to self introspection and who struggled with feelings of inadequacy, and here was a great man! He had been nothing if not successful in his life through a combination of grit and work and reliance on his God. Yet how inadequate he felt, just like each of us at so many junctions of our lives. He wrote that while he was wrestling with his doubts and fears, he climbed a nearby mountain and really let out what he was feeling to the Lord. Soon, his pains were calmed and he said, "my tears were dry, my soul was at peace. A calm feeling of assurance came over me, doubt and questionings subdued ... and I felt nearer my Lord than ever at any time in my life."

I am guilty so often of brooding over my own perceived sense of weakness and my many faults, sure that everyone can see them. But I realize more and more that most people are so worried about others noticing their inadequacies that they don't really pay attention to yours. And it shouldn't be a matter that concerns them anyways. If we focus and take our doubts and fears to the Lord and really want to be better, he'll help dry our tears and calm our souls. He did it President Kimball, He does it to me, and He'll do it to you. This much I know.