2 Corinthians 3:5 (NIV)
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
This verse reminds us of a powerful truth every man needs to hear: you don’t have to be enough on your own. In a world that praises self-made success and demands high performance, it’s easy to feel like you have to do everything through your own strength. But Paul flips that thinking. He says we are not competent by ourselves—and that’s not a flaw, it’s a feature of our design. Our real strength, wisdom, and ability come from God.
This doesn’t mean we stop trying or abandon responsibility. It means we stop striving in our own power and start partnering with the One who equips us for the task. Whether you’re leading a business, raising kids, fixing a broken relationship, or battling addiction, your success doesn’t hinge on your resume or willpower. It rests in God’s ability to work through your availability.
For the man who feels under-qualified, overwhelmed, or exhausted—this verse is your reset. You are not falling short; you are standing at the edge of divine power. Your competence isn’t limited by your experience, your past, or your emotions. It flows from the God who called you. If He brought you to it, He’ll equip you for it.