A Prayer to Know You Are Enough Because You Are God’s
By Keri Eichberger
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” - 1 John 4:16
“You are a really good friend,” Whitney spoke these words so sincerely I almost believed them for a half second. Yeah, right, I quickly thought. I’m a terrible friend. And right now, I don’t feel like a very good mom, wife, daughter, or sister either. I’m not enough for anyone. So many people I love need so much. There’s just not enough supply for the demand. I’m beaten down from trying to be everyone’s hero, but somehow, it seems it’s never enough. I’m not enough. If Whitney really got to know me, she’d find me out. I was certain.
Anyway, being her friend was easy. She lives 400 miles away and our relationship has consisted of back-and-forth video chats squeezed in at convenience. It’s manageable and always enjoyable. We share life updates–the good, hard, and lots in between–and encourage each other with God‘s rich truths. Our connection really has blessed me incredibly. And Whitney has expressed the same sentiments in return. Such a gift. But this friendship is never an interruption or strain to my schedule like the demands of my local people who actually need face-time, meals cooked, counseling sessions, my attendance at their hundred ball games a week, my focused presence. So much of me.
I’m sure my friend Allison, whose husband was recently diagnosed with cancer, wouldn't give me an A+ plus for friendship or mastering the mark of enough. For her, I was all in at the peak of the crisis, but with five kids and a husband who are collectively more than an 80-hour work week, I haven’t been able to be all I want for my dear friend or anyone else I’ve wanted to connect with and help for that matter.
It’s true. I’m certainly not enough. For anyone. Have you ever felt like you’re falling short of the needs around you? Or that you just aren’t enough?
I really do struggle with this. And my greater internal turmoil is that I know who God is, and what he says about me and each of his children. That he is love. That He loves us. He lives in us. With a love greater than we can possibly imagine, and not based on what we do, but because of who he is and our faith in him. Which means, we most certainly are enough in God’s eyes. And shouldn’t that be what really matters?
The answer is yes, and that’s my main mess within. God’s perspective should matter, but that’s not what my life has been saying lately. Friend, I need this reminder today as much as anyone—that we are more than enough to the one who matters—to God. The truth is, we may never be enough for someone else. And truly, it isn’t our job to be. That’s God‘s job. He loves when we love on and serve others, and we should keep doing that. But God knows we have limits. We can’t be enough for everyone or anyone. Only God can do that.
You will certainly be a blessing to those he puts in your path, even if it feels like you only have tiny crumbs to offer. God uses it. Like the encouraging words I lend Whitney in our “Marco Polo” chats. Yes, you won’t be everything to everyone, but you are certainly a treasure to those you serve. Each of us in unique ways according to our gifts and talents. And we can’t compare our enoughness to someone else’s seeming service. We need to know that our role in their life is much more significant than we realize. And know that God is pleased. You and I, human beings, you and I, can’t fill and supply all that’s needed by our friends, our spouse, kids, parents, our people. Only God will be enough for them.
Keep pointing to him with your love in the way the Lord equips you. And know that is enough. You are enough. Simply because… you are his. I hope you will rest your heart and soul with me today in your priceless value and unconditional worth. Rest in the truth that you are enough in him.
Let’s pray:
Father God, The world around me has so much need. Every person in my life has a never-ending list of ongoing needs. A list I try to take on, and then find myself falling short. Until I’m faced with feelings of not being enough. Lord, help me release the burden of believing I have to be enough for everyone in my path. Help me love my people and take on what you will for me, but remind me that only you are enough for each needy soul. Just as only you are enough for me. Lord, thank you for being enough for all your children. And help me never forget that I am also enough in your eyes. Unconditionally. Because I accepted your son as my savior, you accept me just as I am. Whether I feel like I am enough today or not, you are the truth that says I am. Always. And that is what matters most. Thank you for accepting me and for the fullness of your love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Ben Roberts Photography
Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
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Originally published Tuesday, 28 May 2024.
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