Chad Bradley “UNDERTHINK IT”

Being smart is good, but sometimes it can be a problem. It can lead to thinking, which can lead to overthinking. It’s a slippery slope, and if you aren’t careful, these thoughts can keep you from doing something you should be doing.

A good friend of mine almost held himself back from pursuing a great opportunity because he was overthinking it. This became clear during a conversation we had over text:

Him: “You going to apply for this???”
Me: “Absolutely!”
Him: “Okay, I won’t then.”
Me: “Dude! You might be exactly who they’re looking for. APPLY!!!”

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

We both applied. You’ll never guess who got the job—me!

I’m not mentioning this to rub it in, but the fact remains that he was right: they wanted me this time. However, it could have gone the other way just as easily. It did on another occasion. We both applied for the same job at the same place and at that time, he landed the job—in a major market! That time, they wanted him.

Each station is a unique environment with a vision, carried out by a unique staff. Even though the mission would presumably be the same at each location—to impact the kingdom for Jesus—how that happens is often as unique as the makeup of that ministry.

Leaders of these distinctive ministries are tasked with cultivating a healthy culture and an effective ministry, and it is not an easy job. The best candidate isn’t always the one with the most experience, nor the one who is simply eager to learn. Sometimes, it’s both—and sometimes, it’s neither. But that leader can’t choose the best fit without applicants.

You may be exactly what they’re looking for but are unintentionally holding everything up because you’re viewing the opportunity from the outside and choosing not to apply. Perhaps it’s based on who else might be applying or some other overthought point.

It’s helpful to know who you are but it’s more important to remember that God often chooses the most surprising and unlikely characters to carry out His mission, and they are almost always underqualified. Consider the story of Moses. He was in direct communication with THE Great I Am and still questioned God’s plan, even trying to avoid it!

Moses tells the Creator of everything, “Lord, I don’t talk good.” He assumes there must be someone smarter or more eloquent, so he asks God to send someone else. The Bible notes that God wasn’t thrilled with this request:

 “Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses, and He said, ‘What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you’” (Exodus 4:14, NIV).

A significant point often overlooked in the story is that God already knew Moses would need assistance and had mobilized Aaron to help even before Moses obeyed. You may not feel qualified for an opportunity, but God may already have someone on their way to support you—and they can’t fulfill their purpose until you click “Submit” on the application.

Ultimately, we don’t know who the hiring team is looking for or whom God is leading their way. But don’t let your perception of your qualifications hold you back.

You could be Moses, or you could be Aaron. There’s only one way to find out: underthink it.

Chad Bradley is a Morning Show Host and Podcast Director at 104.9 The River. Voicetracker, Voiceover Artist and Dreamer.

Chad can be reached at bradchadley84@gmail.com