Walking through life with self-made expectations works for awhile. We can work real hard, and achieve a certain amount of success. But is it ever really ENOUGH? I guess the answer to that question depends on what we define "enough" to be right? Maybe that's the problem... our understanding of what it means to be enough is entirely different than what God intends....or is it? Here is one of the definitions of "enough" found in the dictionary: " in a quantity or degree that answers a purpose or satisfies a need or desire; sufficiently."
I find this definition to be very intriguing because it seems to clarify, even in a godly sense, what it means to be enough. "A quantity or degree that answers a purpose...." So what is that purpose?
The Lord has a specific purpose for each one of us.
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
Exodus 9:16That's it? It seems too simple! Are we are worst enemies when it comes to determining our purpose in life? Maybe so.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:20-22We strive and strive for perfection and to be "enough", only to be disillusioned and disappointed, when all along, we were created for GOD'S purpose...and along with that comes God's enabling to fulfill that purpose.
for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 2:12-14So what about all of the things in life that we feel we need to do? What about all of my failed attempts to do things right? What about the times that things don't turn out the way I think they should? What about all of the people I disappoint? How do all of these things figure into that purpose? Let's face it, life is full of that stuff!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:27-29
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
2 Timothy 1:8-10So....even in the struggles of life, when we feel like we are not measuring up....even in our perceived failed attempts, God's grace prevails and He uses it all for His good....IT'S ENOUGH.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalm 33:10-12
Back to that definition of "enough":
" in a quantity or degree that answers a purpose or satisfies a need or desire; SUFFICIENTLY."
When I am feeling very insufficient, I need to remember that if He enables me to fulfill His purpose, then ultimately it will satisfy His desire for my life SUFFICIENTLY because , "He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
And here is my favorite part of the verse!
"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
So if I understand what all of these precious words of scripture are saying, it boils down to one main idea. Being "enough" is determined by God and His purpose for us....not by our own standards. Being "enough" is a process that happens by God's grace through Christ Jesus. Being "enough" is not about us...it's about glorifying God and displaying His power and love in our lives, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. So when I feel so inadequate, perhaps that's when He does His greatest work in me! And I can be confident of this:
" that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6
He will never give up on me! In His Presence, I am ENOUGH!
