.png)
Have you ever wondered if you are enough? At some point in our lives, we all have.
We’ve all felt inadequate and not enough, just wishing we could be more or do more. We’ve compared ourselves to others and have at many, many times, felt less than. We’ve forgotten the value God has placed on us, due to the scoreboard of worldly standards.
See, in a world that keeps scores on people based on things like looks, success, or popularity, it's extremely easy to feel like you're not good enough. And for a lot of Christians, the struggle might feel even more real because religion does add its own set of expectations.
However, the expectations the world has on you, the expectations the church has on you, and even the expectations you have on yourself, mean nothing in the light of God’s view of you. You may never match up to anyone’s expectations, and you may never be enough in the eyes of any of them, but in God’s eyes, you are, you always have been, and you always will be enough.
So here are 8 reminders to fortify your self-esteem when you question whether you are enough.
God's Unconditional Love (Romans 5:8):
During those moments of self-doubt and feeling not good enough, choose to anchor yourself in the unwavering assurance of God's love, the greatest love story of all. This scripture delivers a powerful message – God loves you amidst your messiness. His love transcends your achievements or perceived worth; it meets you exactly where you are.
In challenging times when questions about your worth and value in the world surface, cling to the depth of God's love. A love that remains steadfast, irrespective of success or failure, a love that does not keep score but is forever unconditional.
Embrace the security that comes from being loved just as you are, flaws and all. You are good enough for Him, you always have been and always will be.
You Are God's Workmanship (Ephesians 2:10):
Has anything God created ever been not good enough? No, right? Then why do you think you’re the exception?
Ephesians 2:10 paints a captivating picture – you are God's workmanship. The same God who created the heavens and the earth, the moon and the stars, the mountains and the seas, the day and the night, is the same God who created you.
Envision an artist that only creates with thorough thought and intention sculpting a unique and purposeful creation, that is the reality of your existence. God created you exactly the way He meant to so embrace your quirks, your journey, and your identity as a beautiful work in progress.
When doubts about your significance arise, remember this truth. You are not a random occurrence; you are a deliberate and intricate masterpiece, a workmanship fashioned by the Creator of the universe.
Feelings are Valid but Not Always Accurate (Proverbs 14:12):
Acknowledging your feelings of inadequacy when you feel like you’re not good enough is okay; your feelings are always valid but they may not always be accurate. Consider them as passing clouds, not the permanent sky.
Proverbs 14:12 says "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death." This verse suggests that our perceptions or feelings about certain things may seem correct, but the ultimate outcome may prove otherwise. It encourages us to seek God's guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding.
This realization is crucial because feelings, though real, aren't always accurate reflections of your true identity. They may seem right and extremely accurate to you but that does not mean that they are. Feeling like you’re not good enough is sometimes natural but believing that you are is not, you do not have to let those feelings define you.
Dive into the why behind those feelings. Are they rooted in past experiences, current stressors, or negative self-talk? Separate the valid signals from the misleading noise, and remember your worth is not determined by fleeting emotions.
Feelings Are Messengers (Romans 12:2):
Think of feelings of inadequacy as messengers pointing to areas ready for growth. They act as signposts on your journey, highlighting skills you want to develop or relationships you want to nurture. Instead of letting these feelings overwhelm you, use them as tools for positive change.
Explore the deeper meanings behind them and turn those perceived shortcomings into opportunities for personal development. As Romans 12:2 says, you do not have to conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by renewing your mind.
When faced with feelings of not being good enough, this verse encourages us to renew our minds through God's Word, allowing His truth to reshape our perspective and guide us toward a more positive and accurate self-image.
You're a Work in Progress (Philippians 1:6):
Feeling the pressure to have it all together by now? Take a breath and find peace in Philippians 1:6, a reassuring reminder that the work initiated By God in you will be carried to completion. You're not expected to be a finished product; life is a journey, and each step is significant.
Extend grace to yourself; celebrate the small victories, learn from the setbacks, and understand that growth is a continual process. Recognize that you're not alone in this journey of becoming; God is actively at work in you, shaping and molding according to His divine plan.
Remember that He is working on you and His work is always good. If it’s not good, He’s not done. So if you feel like you’re not good, think of it as proof that He’s not done.
You will always be a work in progress but your value never changes in His eyes. He will work with you and for you until the end of your days.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection (Philippians 3:12-14) :
Perfection is an elusive goal that only leads to frustration. Shift your focus to progress, drawing inspiration from the understanding in Philippians 3:12-14. This passage emphasizes the importance of pressing forward, acknowledging that perfection is not attainable but progress is.
Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Acknowledge your efforts, and don't let the pursuit of perfection overshadow the value of growth.
Remember that every journey consists of numerous steps. Rather than berating yourself for not reaching an idealized standard, celebrate the progress you've made.
You're moving forward, and that's what counts. God is pleased when you progress in your calling, He celebrates every one of your steps forward, it’s time you do too.
God's Plans Are Bigger (Jeremiah 29:11):
When the voice in your head whispers 'not good enough,' turn to Jeremiah 29:11 for reassurance. God's plans for you extend far beyond what you can fathom. They are plans for hope and a future, not for despair or inadequacy.
In moments of self-doubt, lean on the promise that there's a bigger story being written. Your journey is an integral part of a divine story, and each chapter unfolds with purpose.
Trust in the plans that surpass your understanding, and find comfort in knowing that you are a cherished part of a grand design. You are His and nothing of His will ever be ‘not good enough.’ Believe that.
None of Us Are Enough on Our Own, But Through Christ We Are ( Romans 3:23):
While the points listed above offer fantastic reminders of your inherent worth as a beloved child of God, there's another crucial aspect to consider: on our own, none of us are enough.
The Bible acknowledges this in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We all fall short of God's perfect standard.
Here's where Christ's sacrifice comes in. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus offers a path to redemption. By accepting Jesus and his sacrifice, we are no longer judged by our shortcomings. Romans 6:23 says: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
So, while the world, the church, and even ourselves might have expectations we can't meet, in Christ, we are made enough. His grace fills the gap between our imperfections and God's holiness. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains this beautifully: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
This doesn't negate the importance of striving to be better. We are called to grow in our faith and follow God's teachings. But it offers immense comfort to know that our value doesn't depend solely on our achievements. Through Christ, we are loved and accepted, just as we are.
Final Thoughts on "Am I Enough"
As you read the end of this post and close this page remember that the journey of feeling 'not good enough' is a shared human experience, but as a Christian, you have a unique anchor in the unchanging promises of God. You know without a doubt that you are held by a love that surpasses understanding, a love that deems you worthy in every season of your life.
Therefore, in those moments in those moments of doubt and not feeling good enough, choose to turn to the scriptures and let them be a balm to your soul. Know that your feelings are acknowledged, but they do not dictate your self-worth, so it’s best to turn them into stepping stones for growth.
Remember through it all that your journey is a testament to resilience, and each challenge is an opportunity for God's grace to shine through. You are not alone, and you are far more than 'good enough.' You are a cherished creation, sculpted with divine purpose and intention. He loves you, just the way you are!
Pin and Save for Later
Before you leave, we would appreciate it if you helped us spread the word by sharing, tweeting, pinning, etc. this post.
Share
Pin
Tweet
Share
Email
ShareAbout the Author:
Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical Psychologist that is currently seeing clients in the States of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. You can find out more about her practice by visiting www.therapyforchristians.com/corinewilliams. In addition to providing individual therapy, Dr. Williams is also passionate about writing books and designing merchandise that educate, uplift, and normalize mental health subject in the Christian community. You can find out more about her at www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here: https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2
Help us increase mental health awareness in the Christian community by donating through our paypal link here: www.paypal.com/therapyforchristians, joining our mailing list by clicking below, or join our provider list here: Provider listing
Disclaimer: the information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are looking for a Christian counselor near you, please check out our directory located here: Christians Therapist Near Me
