Do you ever look back at things you have been through and think about how you could have possibly made it through? I had one of those moments while I was working on a painting recently. As the paint was flowing, my mind was thinking back. I have seen and endured things I would have never expected to see and endure. With my family and with my husband. Oh, what a journey.
All those moments that have brought me to my knees. Tears from frustration. Tears from exhaustion. All those moments when we didn’t know how we would get through one more day. I know there is no way we could have ever made it through those things alone. I know we did not make it through those things alone.
We had Christ.
We have Christ.
There is so much uncertainty in this world. So much heartache. So many struggles. But by His grace we know the truth. We know He is with us and He is all we need.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
We don’t have to know everything and we don’t have to understand everything. It certainly is not easy, but we are called to carry these things. It is all part of our journey here on earth. What gets us through is that we know we don’t have to carry them alone.
Go to Him. He is enough. He will carry it with you.
When you feel you can no longer stand, He will carry you.
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. (Psalm 61:2-3)
We have all we need in Him and He is faithful. He is always faithful. He will not leave us in our struggles and heartache. There is such peace in that truth, don’t you agree?
So lean in close. Stay close to Him. Rest in Him. Trust Him.
In His hands, all things are possible.
He is the One. In Christ I have all I need. He is enough.
I wanted a powerful word to finish the painting and after all the reflection while working on it, the perfect word was clear. Enough.
So encouraging to me, an entire collection came out of this one powerful word.
Leave a Comment
Summer Rae says
Dearest Miss Jennifer,
Thank you so much for sharing the words our Heavenly Father has laid on your heart and encouraging us. It is so easy to let the lies the world tries to sell us get to us so much, that we start believing them… we forget that the one and only, creator of the Heavens and Earth sent his only begotten Son to die for every single one of our sins – Praise Him! He made us all beautifully, fearfully and wonderfully. He takes us right where we are. Through Him alone we are saved. Through Him alone, we are strong. Through Him alone, we are enough… just as we are. We need to remind ourselves (or at least I know I do) to rest in His amazing grace. Thank you again!
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Jennifer Studio JRU says
So beautifully said, Summer Rae. Thank you for sharing your thoughts today!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
Your post makes me think of the song that Christ Tomlin sings, “And all of you is more than enough for all me.” I look back over my life and I do believe there have been many times that God has allowed me to get to the end of myself so that I have had to lean on HIS enough-ness. When we finally let go and fall into His loving arms, we realize that He always catches us and never lets us fall. He may not take away the pain, but He will endure it with us and give us the grace to make it through. I don’t think I’d have the closeness with God that I do had I not gone through trials that have led me to KNOW that He is more than enough for me. Love your artwork you shared here. I can see how “enough” could bring forth a wellspring of inspiration. Thank you for this balm for our souls this am.
Blessings,
Bev
Cindy says
Dear Bev,
I just wanted you to know how much I identify with you. Sometimes when I read your responses, it’s like I could have written them myself. And yet, I also glean so much insight and encouragement from you! I appreciate you (and all our sisters in Christ on this site!)! I pray for you all. Thank you for the love and wisdom you share! I actually look forward to reading your responses! Have a blessed day and know that you are loved!
Hugs!
Cindy
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Cindy,
Thank you so much for your sweet words….they really blessed me today!!
Sending you ((hugs)) and love in return…
Blessings,
Bev xo
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh yes… His enough-ness. I love that, Bev! Thank you for your beautiful words.
Clarita says
Thank you for this beautifull encouraging story needed to be reminded to keep looking at Jesus and not believing what’s happenings around us have a Blessed day.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I need the reminder too, Clarita! Blessings to you!
ME says
Amen and amen! God is awesome! He is enough! I so feel you! It’s mind boggling looking back and seeing the deep valleys God has brought me through! And continues to. Because of Him we don’t know the depth of our trials at the time. It is hard but looking back we see He’s all that kept us sane and kept us going while giving His peace and joy!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
That is exactly right, ME! Reflecting back brings so much into focus, doesn’t it?!
Courtney says
This is exactly what my heart needed. I am in the midst of handling my father’s estate and trying to understand our relationship and my grief and things that feel so unfinished. I’m so grateful to have the Lord with me in all of this. I know that I could never do it alone.
Leanne Porterfield says
Father, Be close to Courtney today… As she grieves the loss of her father help her to rest in the love of her Heavenly Father… help her as she remembers an earthly relationship that perhaps had struggles, help her to remember good memories… surround her with Your love… in Jesus name…
Courtney says
Thank you so much, Leanne.
Susan says
Prayers going out to you this morning My sisters and I are going through the settling of our parents estate who both passed away suddenly weeks apart. We know without God and His great love we could not walk this journey of great loss and grief. God is enough and never leaves us to walk alone.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
So sorry for your loss, Susan. Praying as you walk this journey. Grateful you don’t have to walk it alone.
Beth Williams says
Susan,
Sweet sister in Christ. Praying for you and your family as you grieve the loss of both parents. Father be with Susan and her sisters today. Send them your loving arms to hold them. Be near to them always! Help them to feel and sense you close!
May you know that He is enough for you right now and always!!
Courtney says
I’m sorry for the loss of your parents. Prayers for you and your sisters!
Penny says
Courtney,
I’m sorry for your loss, and what you are going through. I pray that the Lord comforts, and guides you through.
Blessings,
Penny
Courtney says
Thank you so much, Penny. Your prayers are precious.
Cindy says
Praying for you!! I have been there and it’s not easy. God will get you through it. His loving hands are holding you right now. Praying for healing and comfort and strength!
Courtney says
Thank you for your prayers, Cindy. They are a blessing to me.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I am so sorry for your loss, Courtney. So grateful we don’t have to endure these things alone. Praying for you.
Courtney says
Thank you for your post and your prayers, Jennifer. A double blessing also for the encouragement of sisters in Christ. Brought tears to my eyes. So grateful for these prayers.
Beth Williams says
Courtney,
Praying for strength to endure. May you feel His loving arms surround you during this time! May you sense God with you always. He is near to the brokenhearted. Sending a virtual hug!
(((((Hugs)))))
Courtney says
Thank you so much for your prayers, Beth. I’m truly grateful.
MC says
Thank you very much. This is exactly what I needed to hear today.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I am happy to hear that, MC. You are very welcome.
sharon says
Before my husband passed away he used to tell me if you let Him Jesus will bear all your burdens for you.
I trry to always remember that but in these flesh bodies sometimes we just don’t. Thanks for the reminded.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh yes, Sharon! These flesh bodies can so easily forget. What a precious reminder your husband shared with you to hold onto.
Hopeful says
Enough. That is really a powerful work I haven’t thought about in a very long time. It is beautiful. That God is enough and that we are enough with Him. I am in the midst of becoming empty nest and it just doesn’t seem to be enough. It is great and then really hard and lonely and I feel very lost.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I can only imagine how you feel, Hopeful. But He knows how you feel and I know leaning on Him will see you through. Praying for you on your journey ahead.
Serena says
Thank you very much for such a meaningful sharing. Truly He is not only enough but more than enough. I couldn’t imagine how I’d survived all those crisis in the past if it was not for Jesus. He must have carried me through in the midst of those tumultuous moments. Losing my brother through unforseen circumstances, losing my mother through cancer, losing my two precious nephews through suicide and not to mention a brother who for no good reason doesn’t want to keep in touch. Jesus truly had been and will always be more than enough for me. I love you Jesus, no matter what the enemy tries to distract me from you, You’re are always the anchor of my soul. Shalom Jennifer! Have a blessed day
Hopeful says
Hi Serena. I can relate to much of what you shared. My brother took his life 2 years ago and we have so much family distance it isn’t funny. It’s hurtful. There are good things but I don’t know how to get past all the junk. Any pointers??? I love the Lord, but at almost 50 it seems everything has crashed around me and I have to start all over and I really don’t know where or how. Thanks.
Serena says
Hi Hopeful, thank you for reaching out. I spent some good time downloading my grief with a trusted friend who is strong in her faith. As I wept, I remembered we were holding hands together and prayed. I was given a word that I was in the eye of a storm. As we understand a little, being in the eye of a storm is also a calm and peace. I was assured beyond my own feelings (like a roller coaster about to crash anytime), yet I felt peace. As described in the Bible. A peace that passes all understanding. For truly who could understand that kind of pain. Only Jesus. Then I was also going through a healing type of counseling to unravel some of my pent up emotions (since childhood days). They call it inner healing. It dealt with parents issues, relationships with others, etc. So I was able to also learned how to let go of the pain of all these losses. The initial part is always the toughest because it felt unbearable. I sort of became numbed (like walking in a daze). It took one year to fully grief my mom’s death and another year to let it all go. Some may take longer. After learning this, it’s a matter of learning to let go. It requires time and if there’s someone to just sit and listen and pray with, that’s a more manageable way to go through. It’s different for each person how much time is needed. That’s not really important. What’s crucial is that we can let go, give the pain to Jesus and then be able to move on. Be absolutely transparent, it’s OK. There’s an exercise my counselor shared with me to do, is to express my emotions through coloring. Not coloring pictures. Like venting, just plain furious scrawling all over a blank paper. E.g. if you feel anger, it could be black. Sometimes certain colors just come to your mind, just scrawl that out. This exercise helps to release the pent up emotions that could be difficult even to comprehend. In short just let it all go. I hope this helps.
Abba I lift up Hopeful to you. We know that nothing is impossible with you. You know perfectly what she is going through. I stand with her and ask for your grace and strength to uphold her through this season. When it’s most difficult I pray you will send beautiful Godly sisters along her way to hold her hand and pray with her. May your peace that passes all understanding keep her in you at all times. I bind and rebuke all demonic forces that want to distort or destroy her hope in you. I pray that you will keep leading her back to you no matter what the challenges are. Teach her how to let go. Train her eyes and heart to focus on you even though it seems hopeless. Let her know that it will pass in your beautiful time. She will be made stronger in you and in grace. Then you will use her like a beautiful diamond polished to shine for you and help many others who are also struggling. Thank you Abba for this dear sister. I truly appreciate her transparency and reaching out. This is the first step to being an overcomer, in Jesus name amen.
Pls take care and feel free to write me an email if you need prayers or just want to share.
Hopeful says
Thanks so much Serena!! Sorry, just saw your reply today. That was just beautiful, encouraging and healing. It always gets me when someone really cares enough to reach out and touch. 🙂 You did. Bless you Sister in Christ.
Serena says
You’re most welcome sister!
Like it says also in Ecclesiastes 3:4, there’s a time and season for everything. “A time to mourn and a time to dance.”
I have learned to recognize seasons in our lives. I didn’t fully understand at first but after those challenges, our characters are transformed to be more like Christ. That’s the plus point which we don’t see in our moments of sufferings.
Take care and be blessed!
Lyn says
Serena, I know where your words come from. If it wasn’t for my great faith –well I just can’t say nothing else except “Jesus”
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh yes, Serena… all Him. Such a difficult path you have had. I am sorry for that. So grateful we can depend on Him to carry us in those times. Thank you for sharing your story. I know it will help others.
Mary says
Hi fellow sisters in Christ,
While reading your messages of LOVE 4 The LORD & the utmost care for your fellow sisters in Christ, I was just struck by awe. When I read your messages, of the TRUST & LOVE that you feel for Our Loving ABBA Father, you all captured my heart!
I was mostly entranced at the fact that u all had some hard & sorrowful times, but u still have this intense LOVE for our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank you for posting such wise Words!
DMS says
Thank you for sharing God’s word and encouraging us through the power of your testimony! “We are overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony”, (Revelation 12:11-12). So thankful for the body of Christ!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Right there with you, DMS… so thankful!
Cindy says
Jennifer,
Oh how I needed to read this as I’m waking up and feeling terribly anxious. I’ve been feeling so afraid of the future recently. So many sad and difficult changes have happened in my life this past year. I tend to let the enemy attack me with the fear of more to come. However, God ALWAYS steps in (through the beautiful women who write for incourage) to remind me that I do not have to fear; that troubles will come but Jesus has seen me through it all and will continue to do so! He IS enough and you reminded me of it on this brand new beautiful morning!! Thank you so much! Blessings and hugs!
Cindy
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I completely understand, Cindy. I struggle with those fears and anxious feelings. I need to remind myself often how I know He will see me through… as He already has so many times! Blessings to you!
Brenda M Russell says
I know that you are 100 percent correct! I desire to walk in that knowledge daily. It seems easy until a challenge bombards my emotions, then I seem to get overwhelmed. Waiting for God’s perfect timing has made my journey so real, smile. I pray for those Christ followers who feel ill-prepared to walk with patience and confidence as God makes us more like His Son, our Lord and Savior. God bless you all. Thank you for encouraging me. Brenda
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh I hear you, Brenda! Those darn challenges work hard to overwhelm us! But we know the truth and we need to just keep reminding ourselves of it! Even if that means reminding ourselves over and over and over.
Penny says
Jennifer,
Your artwork is delightful, thank-you for sharing it. It’s humbling when I stop, and look back, it wouldn’t of been possible if not for He. Thank-you for reminding us that He is enough
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you so much, Penny. So kind of you. It sure is humbling when we look back and think of what He has brought us through. Blessings to you today!
Lyn says
The heart knows He is enough, however the sadness of a child not communicating with you and longing to see your grand child just feels me with crippling sadness. God I ask you to find a way, I have remained silent with my son and prayed fervently for amends. I have tried to talk to him, I know He is dealing with some pretty terrible demons. I ask you Heavenly Father to free my son of them. I give you all the power God, YOU are the only one that can move my sons heart. I will not give up, I will persevere and remain silent until you give me a clear sign, Father thank you for hearing my prayer -Amen
Jennifer you art work is humbling, it is a great reminder that Jesus is ENOUGH!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
So sorry for the struggle and heartache you are going through, Lyn. Praying with you as you walk this difficult journey. Praying as you follow His lead.
Lyn says
Jennifer, you are so sweet, I wanted to tell you I called my son and he reciprocated 🙂 I also got to see my grand daughter. Thank you everyone for prayers. I know my work continues but I actually got to see a spark of light. Godspeed, just another praise on prayer my friends! (smiling from ear to ear) 🙂
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh my goodness… I am so grateful to hear that, Lyn! I love to hear praise like this! So happy for you with this step!
Ann says
What a timely reminder for me during a difficult time. Thank you!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I am grateful the reminder was a timely one for you, Ann. Sorry you are in a difficult time. Praying for you, He knows your needs.
Ashley says
Thank you! Perfect word for me today!! And I’m so glad you shared your art as well. Beautiful.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Aww… that is really sweet of you, Ashley. Thank you for the encouragement!
lee says
Thanks….today was hard. I thought was coping with a situation, and it came at me….and I panicked, again. On my lunch hour, I chose to check my email…..and there you were.
He is enough…..
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh I love hearing that, Lee! Not that you are in a difficult situation, but that He spoke to you in this way right when you needed it. Prayers for you.
Rebecca L Jones says
The footprints in the sand poem is very true. I know He’s carried me, and your art is wonderful.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh yes, Rebecca! That is such a beautiful reminder. Thank you!
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
I know He is enough. I have been through many tough times with my aging parents. God has been there each and every time. Going through another rough patch with my dad’s dementia. He had to be hospitalized last Saturday. I have a sense of peace about it this time. I know God will heal him either bringing him back to me again or taking him home to be with Jesus. If I didn’t have Jesus I’m not sure I would be so calm and peaceful about the situation.
Blessings 🙂
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Such a gift of grace to be calm and peaceful while going through something so tough. Only through Him. Praying for you and your family, Beth.
Joy says
Jennifer, reading this reminded me of all the tears of frustration and exhaustion I spilled too. Thank you for writing about God’s faithfulness in HIs ‘enoughness’. He has certainly been faithufl to me too. It’s all too easy for me to just keep truckin’ and not remember to look in wonder and gratitude at what He has already done in my journey. Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh I love how you worded that, Joy… look in wonder and gratitude. Yes, yes, yes!
Mary says
Hi fellow sisters in Christ,
While reading your messages of LOVE 4 The LORD & the utmost care for your fellow sisters in Christ, I was just struck by awe. When I read your messages, of the TRUST & LOVE that you feel for Our Loving ABBA Father, you all captured my heart!
I was mostly entranced at the fact that u all had some hard & sorrowful times, but u still have this intense LOVE for our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank you for posting such wise Words!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I couldn’t agree more, Mary! It is so encouraging to hear these real stories and know how faithful He is through it all for each of us! Thank you for sharing your heart with us!