“You are enough.” I hear a whisper, one coffee-less morning all alone in my car, returning from taking my youngest daughter to her first day of Kindergarten. After homeschooling eight years and burying myself in the duties of children, I was nothing short of exhausted.
Still, “Who could that be?” I questioned. It was clear, I knew it wasn’t me. I would never confess that I was enough…this raggedy, old, warn-out mom. I would never think that I alone, apart from children and home, was sufficient…never in my wildest dreams. After all, I was burntout and feeling nothing short of useless.
Still, who could be saying that? I didn’t know.
At the time, my identity waffled a lot. I took on the face of those just in front of me… feeling little, small, and quite frankly pretty meaningless; thinking, there was no way my “nothingness” could ever be sufficient.
Furthermore, I was way out of my comfort zone, hesitant and reluctant, trusting a new school for my children’s education.
Up until now, I didn’t know how to be anything short of a chameleon, blending into other people’s roles or identities. Still, I often questioned, “Why do we forget that we are individuals, people, important to God in and of ourselves… despite our families, service, or duties”?
Don’t we all in our stillest moments sometimes ask, “Who am I?”
Young and tattooed, he sits in our living room, the one our small group had been loving on and trying to direct towards Jesus. We talk of salvation, following Jesus, while all praying for him to get just how much God loves Him.
But then he says, “The problem is…I just don’t think I am good enough.”
The proverbial floor of my soul sinks like an elevator cut loose. I get that. I once understood that feeling, like that day on my way home from my daughters school. I understood the gut-wrenching questions that say no matter how hard I try, no matter what I do, “Why would God love me?” “How could I ever be good enough?”
But then scripture pops up and I recall the murderer on the cross next to Jesus. You know, the one who saw Jesus for whom He is, though He looked worn out, beaten down, and convicted while innocent. And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
So many times we judge our worth by our title, our status, or our works.
Resumes, and skills, and lots of great works will never draw us closer to Jesus. Scripture tells us, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). And even before the beginning of time, He knew us by name (Jeremiah 1:5). We are the bride of Christ, with all our imperfections, tattoos, and our sins. Yet, despite it all, God promises us “we are His” (Ephesians 2:10) and “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:39).
Our young tattooed friend received Christ that day. And although I still waffle at times about the idea that “we are enough” apart from kids, housework, and other duties… I am learning to trust not my fluctuating emotions, but Scripture that promises us His love is sufficient. Remembering that still, small voice, in the weakest most vulnerable of moments, whispering in encouragement….
“You friend… you are enough.”
Leave a Comment
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Jen,
I typed a whole comment and then accidentally deleted it…long story short, when I/we feel like we are somehow not enough (which is a lie of the enemy) we need to immediately turn to God because this is the red flag that the enemy is coming after us. God in his goodness reminds me that I am a daughter of the King, chosen, delighted in, loved. This is the time I need to sit at His feet in prayer and discern what He would have me embark on next. Maybe it’s just a season of rest after a season of busyness. If we wait upon the Lord we can hear His whisper…You are more than enough. Thank you for a great reminder this am.!
Blessings,
Bev
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Bev – Oh yes friend, that place where “the lies” become foreign, unfitting, so unfamiliar to our identity that it is like a red flag waving violently shouting, “Don’t accept any other whisper than what God says about you”! That’s the place I want to live from…don’t you?
Jas says
I am always surprised to hear other people feel the way I do a lot of the time, why would God want me? I am not good enough and so on but your reminder to trust in his words and not my own emotions is what I need to focus on. Thank you:)
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Jas – Oh that place of sweet, unshakeable faith that doesn’t waver as the winds come and the oceans of life toss us! I need to stay focused on that too friend, on HIM…daily, hour by hour, moment by moment!
betsydecruz says
YES! This is definitely something we can all relate too, and it’s good to read about other’s experiences and thoughts. Helps us know we’re not alone. I’ve been walking with Jesus 30 years, and still feel much like your sweet, tattoed friend did.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Oh friend, I get you! Depending on our background and even just in relation to society’s “conditions” of acceptance…it can be hard to believe, understand, or accept that in grace alone we can walk in our full identity, accepted! Praying this morning HIS love overshadows the lies and grace reveals to all of us that we are enough, just the way we are.
Josie Barone says
Beautiful words…exactly what I needed to hear this morning! Thanks!
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Thanks Josie! Glad to see you here! Thanks for your comment!
Lyli @ 3-D Lessons for Life says
I am so thankful that He loves me and calls me His bride — imperfections and all. Thank you for this encouraging word this morning, Jen. Hugs
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Crazy concept, right Lyli!? We are the bride of Christ, treasured, chosen, called His own, one of a kind….loved so unbelievably much! Glad to see your smiling face here friend!
Trudy Den Hoed says
Such a beautiful reminder, Jen. Thank you. “I am learning to trust not my fluctuating emotions, but Scripture that promises us His love is sufficient.” Amen. On this same journey with you.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Trudy – YES! Sister-hearts, on the same journey! 😉
Andrea says
I get this struggle of not feeling enough, of wondering what my worth and my purpose truly are. On the days when I get it, when I remember to fix my eyes on Him, those struggles have a way of disappearing. I just need to work on keeping my eyes on Him more often.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Andrea – Great instruction friend! Like a ship trying to stay the course in a the seas of affliction…may ours eyes be fixed on the Keeper of our Faith, the one who IS The Way, the one and leads us gently saying, “This is the way, walk in it”.
Susan Shipe says
We are enough because of His everything! Great post.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
That’s it! Our nothing plus His everything! All we need! Thanks Susan!
Sharon says
Yes, Jen, I ask those questions a lot: Who am I? Am I enough?
I am greatly consoled by the fact that Jesus does not judge me the way I judge myself. Not only does He tell me that HE is enough, He tells me that I am enough, and worth the cost of His sacrifice. His gift of salvation is the cord of self-worth that anchors me to Him forever.
GOD BLESS!
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Aaaww….I love that Sharon… “Anchored to Him forever!” Such an amazing thought friend…There is nothing we can do to make Him love us less and that we can rest on His free gift of grace and righteousness! Well said!
Susanne says
I have to wonder sometimes…. I never had kids and I’m beyond the age to have them physically now. I believe that God felt that I was needed elsewhere. I haven’t found where that is yet but I find that so much that I read is directed at women with kids and I just can’t often relate to the stories. I’ve been told that life isn’t complete without kids, so does that mean I’m not complete? It makes me sad..
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Susan – Oh friend…if I could reach my arms through this computer right now and wrap them around you, I would look you straight in the eyes and assure you…”You are enough”! Nothing we attain or possess, nothing we gain, or earn, or acquire can fill us like Jesus can! And today friend, I pray that His hand comforts you in your time of hurting, directs you to those you are to minister to, and protects you from the lies of the enemy that wants to rob you from walking confidently in all you were created to be! Will be praying for you friend, sincerely, in the days to come.
Jodi Michaelides says
Thank you Jen for your blog. Until my former spouse divorced me since he did not believe I was ‘enough’ for him…and I signed up for a Christ-centered, DivorceCare support group…I never knew that I was enough or could be loved for who I was as an individual person. I am 38 yrs old and recently divorced and I grew up in a very abusive home and I had been ‘scapegoated’ as so many negative terms and so I pushed and pushed myself to gain love, acceptance, approval, etc. Thankfully, in DivorceCare, I learned that I am loved, accepted, worthy and forgiven by the only person that matters and that is our Saviour. So, now…I am replacing all those destructive and defeating thoughts that I heard for the majority of my life with what God’s word tells me and it is slowly making a difference in my life.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Bravo friend! Keep up that brave and boldly journey toward the fullness of victory Christ died for! Thanks for sharing your story!
Konnie says
Good good words…thank you for sharing!
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Thanks Konnie! Appreciate you reading!
Liz Jones says
Sometimes it is SO HARD to get that TRUTH that we are enough because of Christ from our HEAD into our HEART, that is where my battle is, always. My head knows the truth, but my heart is confused and easily deceived. I relate to the chameleon description you wrote about so much. I work full-time, have two kids, a great husband, good friends, good church life- lots of great things going on and yet in those quiet moments in my car I hear that- is it really enough? When something around me seems “off” my mood plummets and I feel depressed and I worry about the what if’s and I see all of the negative and wonder when things will fall apart. So I push myself harder and I don’t believe that I am enough… BUT…BUT… I am learning…this year has been a new year for me- where I am seeing God in the smallest details and moments, thanking Him constantly (thank you Anne Voskamp!) and I am also loving myself despite my weirdness (thank you Laurie Wallin!) and I am learning to take what is in my head and wrap it around my heart tight enough to knock down some of those walls.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Woo Hoo! Liz…your comment makes me want to shout out, AMEN! I love that you choose not to be content with outward representations of “good enough”, and that you dig deeper to uncover those core lies that keep plaguing you in the quiet moments in the car! Let’s make some noise and break those walls down together today friend!
Holley Gerth says
Jen, this brought tears to my eyes. I needed to be reminded of this beautiful and powerful truth today. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Holley – Such an honor to get to be here to today! What an amazing community of women! Thanks for reading!
Ruth says
To truly believe that nothing I can do will make Him love me more and that nothing I could do will make Him love me less. The security and peace that would bring…..
I am enough when I remember that He is enough, His grace is sufficient.
That’s where I’m at right now. Aware of my
horrendous lack and learning to depend on
His all sufficient grace, that I might know
myself to be enough in Him.
With love and thanks from a grace learner xx
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
“All sufficient grace”….what a sweet and beautiful place to curl up and rest our heads!
Tara says
Thanks for this post Jen! As a single woman, I feel this so often. Just the other day a friend said to me, “You are enough…more than enough.” I say them back to you today! And you are right God shouts that to us by sending his Son for us! Sometimes though I have a hard time hearing him say them to me! Loved this post!! Thanks again!!
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Hhmm…the fish multiplier, wine out of water maker, the one who satisfies the wells of our thirsty souls! Yes, that’s the kind of God I want to serve! Not a scarce or greedy God…but a God who supplies more than enough for each of us! Let’s chase Him down together today, shall we?
Hazel Moon says
Understanding and knowing our Identity IN Christ will help us to realize we are worthy – because He has made us worthy, righteous and holy in His sight. Memorizing scripture that reminds us of this and saying it to ourselves will keep us in tune.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Lies out, truth in! Good stuff!
Jody Lee Collins says
Hey Ms. Jen, How fun to see you here–way to go! Great post. Coffee this summer for sure!
Take care.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Haha – It’s great to see you here also! Watch out Seattle Starbucks…here we come! 😉
Beth WIlliams says
Jen,
This post spoke straight to my heart. My identity waffles a lot & not always on the good side. Work makes me feel “stupid, dumb, not good enough, not smart enough”. Why do I believe the lies that say those things about me? 🙁
I should know that God would not put me anywhere that I would fail. He is watching over me and lovingly taking care of me–His precious child!! 🙂
Blessings 🙂
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Beth – Praying for you today, for the wisdom of Solomon concerning your job! And, you better believe it friend…you ARE His precious child!
Beth says
Jen,
How wonderful to see you here at (in)courage and what a powerful message filled with encouragement. I truly love the way you write and share your heart and was so blessed by this post.
Thank you. Blessings.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Sweet Beth…I just love you! You are such an encourager! Glad you could be blessed by this post today friend!
mary says
BUT…. I’ve never been enough……. for my mother, for my husband….for my daughter…. being enough for Jesus is just SO WONDERFUL !!!!
tHANKS FOR THIS ENCOURAGING WORD dear Jen. I needed reminding after feeling that I filed my daughter again this week!!
Love your words of wisdom.
Many many blessings,
Mary
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Mary – Oh when the world finds all our failures, He points to His blessed creation and says in full acceptance, “It is good”. May you bask in His delight in you like never before Mary and may His mercy regenerate you, each and every morning.
mary says
failed my f daughter- typo- sorry!
Dede says
I struggle with this daily. My husband divorced me after 30 years. All I’ve ever been or thought I would be in a wife and mom. I know God lives me but figuring out who And what I am supposed to be is killing me slowly.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Dede – Oh friend, praying for you today….that you do not lose heart, and that your inner “man” (or woman) would be strengthened day by day (2 Cor 4:16). Praying also that He would strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner “women”. (Eph 3:16). Will continue to keep you on my my mind and heart in days to come. Thanks for your comment!
Amy says
Thank you for this post. I struggle so often with trying to remember that my identity is a child of God, a daughter of the King, and not in what I do (or fail to do) or what I’ve accomplished (or, again, failed to accomplish). I’m so grateful that Christ loved and intentionally sought out those the world had deemed not good enough – the Samaritan woman, the adulteress, the tax collector. I pray that we will all be able to dwell in the confidence that we don’t have to be good enough to be loved by God. He loves us just because we are His, and in Him we are enough. I’m so thankful for you and other (in)Courage bloggers and authors who continue to remind me of this, as I seem to fight this battle daily.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Amy – You are not alone. Some days we all struggle with “waffling faith”. I love the list of “chosen ones”. Such a great reminder that all of us have fallen short, and none of us are good enough to “earn” His love! Linking arms, standing tall, and finishing this race TOGETHER!
Sarah says
“I am learning to trust not my fluctuating emotions, but Scripture that promises us His love is sufficient.” That is a truth I needed to hear today. This has been my life lately, and hearing this puts my heart and mind back on track with what is solid and what is truth.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
So good! Oh that we all might stay on course and not look to the right or the left, believing and trusting His love is the only prize worth looking at!
Pamela DeNeuve says
Thank you Jen. I had often wondered who and where is that little voice that I listen to every now and then that makes me feel bad. It’s that same voice that tells me what I did was wrong and how I could have done it better. This voice tells me I did not do enough or it should have been better.
Thankfully, as a rule today, I have the faith and trust to know that God loves me just as I am. I had to make a deal with myself. I won’t listen to cruel unkind or discouraging dialogue, either internal or external but instead trust my journey we can work together in harmony for the greater good to help others.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
A huge, jumping up and down, “AMEN”! Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report.” (Phil 4:8) You are a daughter of THE most High God! And together we concede, there is NO condemnation in Him!
Cheryl says
Oh my can I identify! I’m struggling with that so much tight now and yet though I know all the “right” answers to that, somehow I don’t have the energy…..it’s so tough sometimes and such a dark place.
Jen Avellaneda @ Rich Faith Rising says
Cheryl – I wish I could reach through this computer and give you a great big hug! Oh how I have been there. A place where pat answers and joyful wisdom falls short of reaching us in the valley we are going through! But friend, I encourage you today! We are of those who do not lose hope! We have a God bigger, a faith stronger, His Spirit alive in us…that as we walk through this valley….we are never without a living God who makes a doorway where there seems to be none! Shutting off my computer to pray for you right now…