I’m Not Enough And That’s Ok!

“You’re enough” is one of the most used affirmations circulating around social media, but today I’m here to tell you that I’m not enough. And that’s ok!

Yes, I get it. We live in a culture of comparison, unrealistic perfection standards based on appearances and the cult of self. And when we look at ourselves realistically, we see our flaws. We feel like we’re not enough. But this begs the question: what does being enough even mean?

The dictionary defines enough as: “as much or as many of something required.” So being enough is about meeting a need.

As human beings, we all have needs: physical, emotional and spiritual.

The Bible is clear that only God can fulfil our spiritual needs because He created us. We need God. (Philippians 4:19-20).

My children need more

If you read my book Unique – A Mother’s Journey you know that as a young mum I felt inadequate.

I compared myself to other mums, who I believed had it all together, and I felt like I didn’t meet the “perfect mother” standards.

What I failed to understand was that I was putting other people on a pedestal of perfection, instead of looking to God – the only perfect One.

I felt inadequate because deep down I was aware of my imperfection and at the same time I knew my children needed perfection. However, I thought other mums could give my children that perfection, when in fact only God could.

I failed to see that my children’s deepest spiritual needs were not for other people, but for God and His perfection. My children ultimately needed Jesus.

What about being enough for my role as a mother?

In and of myself I am not enough to carry out my role as a mother.

I need Jesus’ strength and equipping (2 Timothy 4:17).

But what about saying you’re enough because Jesus lives in you and you have a new identity? you may be asking. I know several people who think like this and say this.

I disagree. If I just say “I’m enough” even if I mean in Jesus, it’s easy for me to take the focus off Him, and put it on myself.

It’s interesting to note that because of the rise in women’s feelings of inadequacy due to social media, certain lifestyle gurus like to tell people that the solution is to look within.

These are tricks Satan uses to keep people fixated on themselves, instead of looking to God and His perfection.

The Biblical narrative is clear that as people we are not to exalt ourselves, but to humble ourselves. God alone is great!

So when talking about myself I prefer to say “I’m not enough. Jesus is. He is equipping me to do His will.”

When talking about his thorn in the flesh Paul says:

“But he (God) 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Therefore, I too can boast in my weakness and say again and again:

I’m not enough. And that’s ok because Jesus is.

Conclusion

Jesus is enough for the people in my life whose deepest need is for God.

Jesus is enough for my spiritual needs.

Jesus is enough for my walk with God.