"I'm not ready for what's next—I don't have what it takes to step into adulthood."
How it sounds in your head: Everyone's getting married, having kids, buying houses, building careers. I still feel like a kid pretending to be an adult. I'm not ready. I don't know how to do any of this, and I'm going to fail spectacularly.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
-- Joshua 1:9Source: enemy + delayed adolescence culture + comparison to previous generations who 'had it figured out' earlier.
Your parents were married with kids at your age. You're still figuring out how to cook dinner. The gap between where you are and where you 'should be' feels insurmountable.
Moses just died—the only leader Israel ever knew. God told Joshua to lead millions into war against fortified cities. Joshua wasn't 'ready'—he was terrified. God said 'I'm with you' and that was enough. Instant promotion, no waiting until he felt prepared.
I REFUSE the lie that I'm not ready for what's next. IT IS WRITTEN to be strong and courageous because the Lord my God is WITH me wherever I go—not will be with me when I'm ready, but IS with me NOW. I don't wait until I'm qualified; I walk in calling while He qualifies me. IT IS WRITTEN that He who began a good work in me WILL complete it—I'm not doing this alone. I am a branch connected to the Vine, and He produces the fruit of adulthood THROUGH me as I abide. Readiness is His presence, not my preparation.
While you're panicking about not being ready, He's already WITH you—equipping you in real time, sustaining you in the unknown. He doesn't see unpreparedness; He sees a son stepping into calling, and He's THRILLED to walk it with you.