You are not enough. This thought surprised me. After all, isn’t it the social trend to teach us we are enough? But when the Holy Spirit suggested I take a look at these opposite concepts, I was amazed.

The first thing I felt was peace in knowing I am not enough. Why? Because in knowing that I am not enough, I no longer have to feel inferior when I can’t do it on my own. Knowing I am not enough frees me to ask for help and instruction. It connects me with people, pulling me out of my independent egotistical pride. It challenges the determination of self-reliance and inner-strength.

When we come to terms with our need for people and our need for a savior, we can finally get going on the path toward realizing our best life. The life God planned for us.

Let’s look at some scriptures.

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.

Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT

This scripture came to mind as I thought about God’s encouragement for us to seek out those who are wiser than we are. To seek out advice is an act of wisdom that leads to more wisdom. A win/win.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT

This one reveals our need for instruction and correction as part of our preparing and equipping for the life God planned for us. He doesn’t say, “I know you can do it. I have faith in you.” He helps us with His word.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This one encourages us to stay connected to others. Our need for others is both to give and take.

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This last one I chose to include because when we recognize our need for God and others, we can stop the striving to be enough and choose love over judgment. We need others and are needed by others. When I realized it was okay to need people, to not be enough, I realized it will be easier to love others as I can now love myself because I no longer feel the shame of not being enough.

One last scripture.

Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭AMP

It’s okay to be needy. It’s okay to ask for help. And when you have been through it and you have wisdom to share, it’s okay to help.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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