Jesus is Enough— So You Don’t Have to Be
Guest Post by: Ashley Wilcox
The word “enough” is a telling word. It reveals our hearts in an uncomfortable way. We ask ourselves a series of questions each day. Things like: Was I kind enough? Am I working out enough? Did the kids get enough vegetables at dinner last night? Does the car have enough gas in it? Am I making enough money? Did I do enough?
All those questions really lead back to one, burning question: Am I enough?
Is it possible for us to realize that we will never be enough while all at once realizing we are, in fact, enough? Much of the lack of confidence we have is simply because we believe we should be shouldering things that we should not be. Things that were never ours to carry, at least not solely.
I’m tired again and again because of the exhaustion of thinking that today, finally, I'm going to get everything right. I’m going to have a clean house, with all home-made snacks and there will not be a single dog hair on any surface. I will eat well, work out, not crave sugar and make sure my children are at every single extracurricular activity not only on time, but with matching socks on. I will excel at my job with a mind like a machine and win over anyone who thinks I’m not ready for a promotion. I will, I will, I will!
I don’t know about you, friend, but this happens to me more than I’d like to admit. I wouldn’t admit it of course because it would show that I wasn’t content. And if I’m not content then I must not be enough.
Jesus is Enough
Jesus is enough. Does that sound cliche to you? Stop for a moment. Take a deep breath. And hear this. Jesus is enough.
I know. You may think it’s easy to tie this up with a bow and throw some Jesus glitter on it, but that’s not what I’m saying to you today. I’m asking, would you look with me in scripture and in what you know to be true about God, and see that He is the “enough” we desperately seek. And the lack of our trust in Him, so easily happens, that we forget we aren’t the source. He is.
This isn’t a quick fix for frustration or burnout, but it is a real call to walk and abide with the Father and know where your help comes from.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
So, what do I need to do to drop the yoke I’ve been carrying and instead take on the Lord’s? The good news is, it’s not one more thing for you to add to your to-do list or to be “enough” about. It’s abiding with Him. Jesus tells us to learn from Him as He is a gentle and humble teacher. He’s kind.
He is All We Need
We can be tempted to think that we are the end-all, be-all. We can produce, perform, and persevere with the best of them, but are we doing it in the way the Lord is calling us to this moment? There is power in being still, realizing He is God, and that He is all we need. Grab your FREE 5-day devotional study, and remember that God is enough. Fill out the form below.
God’s Grace is Enough
God meets us right where we are. He meets you doing the dishes, rushing to work, and in the quiet moments of your heart where you question yourself, and Him. He’s gentle and humble and isn’t agreeing with you about everywhere you think you fall short. Because our shortcomings aren’t off putting to God, they are a place where His glory will shine.
“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.”
So first, be comforted that He hasn’t left you. He’s with you and strengthening you. Pull on that strength and courage and start walking out in the abiding presence of the One who promises to never forsake you.
Secondly, where are you striving? There’s a good chance that the striving and the trying you’re doing makes you feel like you're on a hamster wheel and you wonder if it’ll ever gain ground. I encourage you to strive for Him. When you have to strive, let it be to open the Word. When you need a moment, let it be in His presence. When you’re running late, let it be on His timeline. Let the striving cease when it chases after empty things, though sometimes necessary things. But let our focus shift to looking at Jesus because He fills every time. You will not leave feeling empty like other tasks, because a good Father feeds, comforts and shelters His children. You are visiting with and being blessed by Jesus, not checking something else off the to do list.
We’ve realized the truth and we’ve shifted our striving. So now what are we looking to accomplish? Dare I say, nothing. I don’t want you to pick up one more thing in your own strength or abilities, but to simply “be” for a while. Exist and know that He delights in you and you need to delight in Him. Let every step forward be by his guiding hand and steadfast love. Go when He says to go, rest when He says to rest, and realize that it is not on your shoulders, but that you are abiding in Jesus. That makes the yoke light. The only thing you have to do today, in everything you’ll be doing, is follow Him. You are enough because you are His, and He will shoulder the struggle while you carry out the purpose.
Let me pray this over you today:
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
(Numbers 6:24-26)
OUR GUEST’S BIO
Have you ever noticed that really tall girl that was in your school growing up? That was me. I’m 6ft 1 in, a wife to my husband who serves on staff as a pastor, mother of three children ages 7-10, small business owner, youth ministry volunteer and avid writer. I came to choose Jesus for myself when I was fourteen years old and through all of life’s different seasons have held onto His great love. Writing has been an incredible way for me to order my thoughts and talk to God. I hope that when people read what I write they not only see the friend we have in Jesus, but also are struck with awe of who He is.
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