For a while now I have been seeing three little words pop up on my social media feed. “You are enough,” they proclaim. At times that trio of words has made me sit up a little straighter and breathe a sigh of contented relief.
After coveting what all the other girls were posting on social media.
After a difficult day at work.
After a rejection drops itself in my lap.
The thought that I am enough offers just enough encouragement to keep going a while longer. But then the tides would turn again and, ultimately, I am left scoffing at those three words.
If I am enough, why do I keep messing up.
If I am enough, why can I never seem to get it all done?
If I am enough, why can I not just pull it all together and be all, have all and do all that I desire?
The answer is simple: We are not promised a perfect life. More than that we were never meant to tackle this world on our own. The truth is Jesus promised us abundant life, but His idea of abundant and ours can oftentimes look very different.
We want to be good enough to do all the things “she” is doing and do it just as well.
Scripture says, “We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8)
We want to be strong enough to handle the hard times on our own.
Scripture says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
We want to be in control enough that we never have to fear or worry.
Scripture says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Abundant life is not a promise for perfection, it’s a gift of peace. As Christians, the gift of abundant life means that as we navigate troubling moments, we aren’t lost in panic because we know God is in control. What looks like disaster is actually being used for good all around us, even when we cannot see it. I don’t have what it takes to live a perfect stress-free life devoid of any trouble or pain. But I do have Jesus and so can you. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) If we just live a surrendered life – trusting Jesus with all the stuff, He will provide all that we need.
“You are enough.” Encouraging? Maybe. But when you bump into your weaknesses and realize that sometimes you’re not, remember this – I AM is enough. And that means that you don’t have to be.
Tell them, “I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14)
Father God, in a time when everything around us is so out of control, help us to remember that YOU alone are enough! We don’t have to have all the answers, YOU are in control. We don’t have to live in fear, YOU are our strength. We don’t have to worry; YOU are our hope! Thank you, Lord, for your love and protections. Help us to remain focused on Jesus, walking in surrender and claiming the abundant life of peace and love and joy that you alone offer. In Jesus name, Amen.