Enough
I struggle with the question many have sought to answer, “Am I enough?”.
I cannot see how it is a logical question being that it is an incomplete thought.
Am I enough.. what?
I try to fill in the gap and finish the question so that I can reach for more specific answers.
Am I enough of a human being? If you have enough flesh, bones and functioning organs to be medically alive then, yes, you are enough of a human being.
Perhaps, we need more of an answer than that.
Am I enough of a man or woman? That is simply a question of anatomy. You are what God declared that you are.
Am I enough of a husband or wife? If a man and woman have stated wedding vows before God and witnesses, obtained a marriage license and an ordained pastor has declared that according the state’s law and God’s holy conditions that you are married, then you are enough of a husband or wife.
Perhaps, I should think in a more philosophical way…
Am I successful enough? This depends on your definition of success. How, specifically, do you want to be successful? Personally, I define overall success by being obedient to Christ. As far as the lesser details of life, the definition of success will vary based on a distinct goal. So, in that manner, success would mean that if I set a goal to do some particular thing, then doing that thing makes me successful. Therefore, having a set vision or goal would allow a person to understand their level of success and having no vision or goal would leave much room for confusion regarding one’s victories.
“Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18
Perhaps I should approach question more spiritually…
Am I christian enough?
This question could bring a hearty discussion but it is a simple answer. One sincere “yes” to God is enough to be a follower of Jesus.
“For truly, I say to you, If you have faith like a grain of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Even a little faith is plenty for God to use!
Your question behind this “I am enough” movement might also be
“Am I doing enough things to be a good person?”
Friend, you are not alone here! A rich man once asked Jesus this very question.
“And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:16-17
You are likely a busy person if you have reached this question. You are trying. What is it that leaves you feeling that you fell short? Is there a some unspoken standard that you are reaching for that offers blurred finish lines? Are you measuring your value to God according to man’s standards? Do you assume God views you like humanity views you? Through a sinner’s lens?
No. That’s not how God views His beloved!
“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
You and I can never be all-doing anymore than we can be all-knowing, all-powerful or all-present in the scope of space and time. That is God’s job and ability alone and to fight for His position of authority for ourselves would be satanic. Isaiah 14 tells of the enemy being cast out of Heaven for trying to position himself on God’s throne. We are not to BE God but we are to be like God as His children who reflect Him. This is a beautiful, special place to hold in our Maker’s heart!
“It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent to heaven, things into which angels long to look.” 1 Peter 1:12
So are we trying to be God or are we trying to serve God?
Are we worthy? No. But He loves us fully and He is worthy. Are we capable of any sort of victory in spiritual things? No. But He is and He wins our battles.
“The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.” Exodus 14:14
“For the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4
Am I enough? I believe that we are attempting to make measurable comparisons based on an immeasurable standard of God. This is where eternal truths exceed man’s logic.
Throughout the Old Testament we see Israel going in and out of battle. Whenever there was victory, it was because God handed the enemies of Israel over to them and God reigned regardless of the odds His people faced! When Israel forgot God or fought battles out of their own strength, they were defeated.
We are never enough to accomplish Heavenly means without the Father sourcing our strength and ability. The roles we play in the world have eternal value, too. So, when you recognize that your own strength is failing you, praise the Lord that His truth stands and return to Him. We can do nothing apart from Him!
Am I enough? Is it possible that the following confession could point out your real insecurity? If it is, then I’d encourage you to take it to God in prayer and maybe even a trusted group of believing friends:
I am discouraged by my limitations and I need encouragement to know that God fights for me, loves me and wants me in His family. I need to feel accepted among my own community. I want to be part of something important. I need help remembering that God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness as Jesus said in 2 Corinthians 12:9. I’d feel so uplifted to know that what I have to offer, through the abilities that God gave me, have a place and purpose in this world.
Dear one, you are truly loved and wanted by the Father. You are welcome and invited to this family as a fellow believer. I believe God created each person on this earth, including YOU, for a very special reason. God is worthy and He who is worthy is calling you. Won’t you say yes?