written by: Carissa Waggoner
There are times when we face so many insecurities. We don’t know if we can let go of that ‘thing’ we need to let go of. We don’t know how we will ever get through the pain or loneliness we feel. We don’t know how we will stand up and stand firm for what we know is right and pure, even as we see what we may lose in the process. We doubt our efforts and are still trying to hold things together.
There comes a moment, while in exhaustion, we look to Jesus and ask, “Are you enough? Are you truly enough if I lost everything? Are you enough to trust with my pain and loneliness? Are you enough to trust that you will give me the strength to let go of this ‘thing’ in my life, I keep holding onto? Are you enough for me to step out alone and stand firm to your truth, no matter what? Will you really be there? Will you really give me strength?”
Hebrews 12:1-2
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Psalm 34:18
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
1 Corinthians 16:13
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Matthew 1:23
23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
If you wonder if God is with you, the very name given to Him means God is with us.
I think our deepest fear is being vulnerable to Jesus. Fear of letting go of everything we hold so tightly. Fear of surrendering fully to every aspect of our lives, our dreams, and our plans. We are afraid of being let down, because if Jesus is not there —if He is not enough —there truly is nothing left. There is no hope.
We may hold onto the control we think we have because if Jesus lets us down, what are we left with? There is no hope for us.
I think that we all at one time or another face these questions.
We trust Him to get us to work safely. We trust Him to provide food on our table. We trust Him for specific outcomes or doors to open and close, but do we really believe He is enough?
If all were lost, is He enough?
I think when we come to this place of vulnerability. When we are willing to risk everything and say, ‘even if,’ you, Jesus, are enough. That complete surrender is the moment He gives us the greatest strength.
Why would he give us this great strength before we come to this point? What glory would be shown of Him?
While we are weak He is strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Vulnerability can be translated in Greek and Hebrew as “one who can be wounded” or “wounded.” God’s strength comes to us when we come to Jesus in our brokenness with our wounds, and we come to the end of ourselves. To love is to be vulnerable and surrendered.
We acknowledge that we must give up what we treasure the most to gain what He treasures. We need to be willing to lose to gain. When we do this, we will see His faithfulness. Our doubts will start to be replaced with an increase in faith.
Matthew 6:19-21
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Philippians 3:7-9
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
When we are willing to lose, we no longer fear the loss. Fear of losing keeps us from being fully surrendered. The reason God says “Do not fear” is that it hinders us from the fullness of Christ.
1 John 4:18
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Isaiah 41:10
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
In Isaiah 41:10, I wonder whether overcoming fear is a condition for God’s strength? In a way, if we allow fear to keep us from what God wants, then how can His strength be shown in us? We must choose to let go of fear.
It is a crossroads we all come to. Many times, we choose the fear of loss over what Jesus offers. We doubt. We are scared that our last-ditch surrender will come up empty.
We just have to choose faith even if we don’t feel it or haven’t seen evidence to support it. Faith is a gift God has given to us. It is something to put into practice, as God desires for our faith to increase. If we continue to allow fear to rule our lives, we do not practice faith.
How else can God show His faithfulness to us that increases our faith, if our fear is getting in His way?
When you ask Jesus, “Are you enough?” choose what you do not see. He will faithfully show you He is. Your faith and trust will increase significantly. You will find joy, and your fear will decrease as faith arises. You will see the goodness of God who really loves you. An assurance of what you hoped for.
“Are you enough?” you ask, Jesus’ answer is a resounding YES!
2 Corinthians 12:9
9 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.
Philippians 4:19
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Prayer:
Dear God, your word tells us, over and over again, of your faithfulness. You tell us again and again not to fear. We confess we cling to things of this world, afraid of losing them or of ruin. That is not the God you are. You are faithful. You are good. Help us to make the time we need to come quietly to you. Help us to be dedicated to reading your word, so that we are reminded of your truth. Help us to be intentional in choosing faith over fear. As we choose faith and trust you in everything, give us the strength to overcome. We ask for courage to stand firm. We ask for your Holy Spirit to help us become vulnerable before you. We know you are with us. We know that your treasure is better than our own. We know that your ways are better than our ways. Today, we commit to trusting in you for what you will have for us. Not our will but thine. Thank you for never forsaking us. Thank you for continually seeking us out when we choose fear over faith in you. Thank you for loving us so much that you give us all we need for righteousness. Guide us and teach us, Lord, in developing our faith. May we bring you glory, and in our weakness, may your strength be known. May we step out in faith, believing You Are Enough. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Becoming His 
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