This story is one of many from the beautiful #livefree community of brave girls — women who were and are in the process of being completely transformed by God. Have you ever felt like you weren’t enough? Meet Michelle, a woman who found that there was more to her story and can’t wait to share it with you.
Enough.
I never felt I was enough.
I did not measure up. It seemed, more often than not, I fell short.
I fell short of my goals, of expectations, of what others wanted from me. Did I truly lack so much?
It was painful. It was lonely.
I knew there was more to the story, to my story.
I knew what God had poured into me, the mentors He placed in my life. Was it all to be forgotten? Maybe I was fooling myself. Maybe I was passed over because I was not the leader I believed myself to be.
Three surgeries in three years and various illnesses left me depleted. Physically I was exhausted.
Mentally and emotionally I faked sanity and confidence.
Spiritually I was begging God to open a door, any door, for me to move forward. The stagnant life was not for me, yet stagnant I remained.
When I felt I might crumble an unexpected hand reached out. One phone call held the answer God had been preparing for me. I was presented with an opportunity to the use the gifts and strengths God instilled in me. An unexpected voice spoke life into the darkened places. Hope was revived in what God had said through this person.
For the task ahead, I was enough. I was the one who was needed.
How can I express the gratitude filling my soul? My soul which longs to encourage and equip leaders, to speak life and value to women, rejoices in that one phone call.
I have been reminded I am not forgotten. I have been reminded God knows my name.
He rejoices over me with joyful songs (Zephaniah 3:17).
I know I am enough because of Christ in me. My purpose is to love God and love others through writing, speaking, and leading. Too many years were spent in the desert of “not enough.” I wandered there far too long. Thankfully, someone chose to speak.
A once stagnant life turned to one of passion and excitement. The words spoken have set events into motion I dared not even dream about. The girl who once feared she would never measure up is now writing a women’s Bible study, which I will also be teaching in June of this year.
Enough?
I believe I am.
Thank you Suzanne for the platform for Michelle to share. Thank you for sharing !! I needed to hear that today. For as long as I remember I’ve considered myself not enough. If I’m not enough, why do I feel,such a call on my life. Either I am enough or what I have is enough for what He’s calling me for because He wants to complete the ministry He’s calling me to. Blessing and love to you both. So thankful to know I’m not alone in feeling not enough. Xx
Christina,
Thank you for reading, for hearing the call on your own life. Listen to those stirrings, they are there for a purpose. You can read more in the topic on my blog today as well, chasingthedivine.com. It is simply this topic taken further, but I think it will help. Blessings!
Just love this, I needed to be reminded that I have enough in all areas of my life to do God’s will, he has equipped me. My physical needs are enough, but my spiritual needs are always growing. I am enough to start where I’m planted to help nourish others in their walk with God. Thanks for sharing!
Eve,
In Christ, yes sister, you are enough. As you grow, you will nourish those around you and we will all be better for it!
We are enough! Let’s all create the most beautiful duet right where we are…hear Him singing over you? Now lift a song of praise! “Let them sing praises to Him…for The Lord takes pleasure in His people” Psalm 150:3b-4a
Amen and amen.
Love Michelle’s story and her sharing “I am enough” to inspires her sisters to #livefree!
Thank you Kim!
Suzie,
Thank you for allowing me space on your platform today. What an honor.
We are enough because He’s enough. More than enough. I love it when a woman realizes her worth and value through Christ. I love confidence that shines. That is gentle and funny and beautiful and wrapped around grace. What an honor to share Michelle’s story!
It is an honor to be here Suzie! Thank you for asking me to share my story.
Michelle, thank you for reminding me I am enough through Him who saved me. I really needed to hear it as I felt I could never measure up and live up to people´s expectation. What a wonderful note of a redeemed life who knows her position in Christ.
Much love
Ana Maria
Ana Marie,
You are. You most certainly are.
Thank you for this! I have spent most of my life feeling like I’m not enough or I don’t measure up. Just when I think I’m making progress I allow something or someone to upset me and all those past feelings of failure come back. I know that with God I am enough but many days I don’t live as though I believe it.
Michele,
God created you on purpose and for a purpose. Do not allow anyone to override what God has said of you. You are His, and definitely enough!
It seems to be an epidemic in our human nature to never feel adequate. And in the rawness of our flesh, we aren’t. But how freeing it is to know that God took care of our inadequacy and made each of us enough in Jesus Christ. By His sacrifice on the cross, we are made more than enough. Thank you for the wonderful reminder, Michelle.
Julie,
You are so right. It is an epidemic I especially see in women. Oh but Grace.
Congratulations on your Bible study Michelle! That’s awesome! Love your story. Thank you so much for sharing these words of hope:)
Kristine,
Thank you, and thank you for reading!
Awesome, just awesome! Jesus is so good! I love your picture declaring the simple truth that you are enough. So beautiful!
Rachel,
Thank you. He is declaring we are enough, every last one of his sons and daughters
“I have been reminded God knows my name. He rejoices over me with joyful songs (Zephaniah 3:17).” I love your sweet reminders! I, also, remind myself daily that God’s purposes and plans never fail. God bless you!
I really like your call to action at the end. “Faith without works is dead,” is what you brought to mind. Thank you for your tireless encouragement and opportunities to share through the written word. Many blessings this week Suzanne as you follow God, setting the example for us all!
Correction: MICHELLE and Suzanne;) I was typing faster than my brain could think! Wonderful work!