Encouragement for Today - July 2, 2010
July 2, 2010
Is God Enough?
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Devotion:
Is God enough? It's a question that my life circumstances force me to keep going back to. What I've concluded is that not only is God enough, but He has to be enough. I've also concluded that it takes effort on my part to keep myself aware of this.
As a young child, I didn't realize my need for God, but I did realize that I had a need that was not fulfilled. I was sexually abused when I was seven years old. My dad left our family when I was eleven. Both circumstances left me devastated, and I didn't understand how God could bring healing at that time. I spent many years trying to heal myself and make myself feel better. Nothing worked.
As I grew older and began to move from being a Christian who simply believed to a Christian who was actively involved with Jesus, my life began to change. Because I was having conversations with Him directly and reading His Word consistently, my life was challenged. I learned that when the hard knocks came, and they would, I needed to ask myself one question in order to move on. "Is God enough?"
When a friend betrays me, is God enough?
When I need to forgive someone for something that seems unforgivable, is God enough?
When my child is having issues that are out of my control, is God enough?
When my marriage is on the brink of destruction, is God enough?
When I am not forgiven by another person, is God enough?
When my mother is dying of cancer, is God enough?
When others don't recognize my value, is God enough?
When I am struggling professionally, is God enough?
When someone I love uses words to hurt me, is God enough?
When I am in debt and don't know how I'll pay my bills, is God enough?
When I am reminded of something I did in the past, is God enough?
When the world is in turmoil, is God enough?
When my health is declining, is God enough?
When I am let down and disappointed in my life, is God enough?
Just last night, I sat in my room crying. Here I was again asking, "Is God enough?" I opened a box full of personalized Bible verses that someone very special gave to me. I began reading them out loud to myself. Verse by verse, I began combating the thoughts that were paralyzing me with self doubt. What I discovered is the conclusion I always come to when I ask myself "Is God enough?" Yes He is.
I could lose everything in life. There's not anything I have here on earth that is guaranteed. If I lost it all though, I'd be okay because no one can take away my identity in Christ. Whether I live in a mansion on a hill or a shack in the swamp, I have my Jesus. Whether the world is for me or against me, I have my Jesus. When I am knocked down, I get on my knees and there I find my Jesus. His Word is planted deep in my heart and I believe it all.
When life becomes more than you think you can handle, don't quit. And certainly don't believe the lies you may be entertaining in your head. Instead, ask yourself, "Is God enough for me?" The answer could change everything.
Dear Lord, help me to realize that the secret to being content in all circumstances is You. Help me to be aware of Your presence in my life at all times. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Women's Devotional Bible (NIV)
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan
When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference by Carolyn Custis James
Visit Melissa's blog
Read the story of how God was enough to two women in His Amazing Touch
Application Steps:
Honestly assess if God is enough in your life. Do you find yourself needing or wanting more? Remind yourself that God knows you inside and out. He loves you no matter what and He always will.
Reflections:
What can you do today to remind yourself that God is enough?
Is there a situation in your life that you need to turn over to the Lord?
Power Verses:
Psalm 33:4, "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." (NIV)
Isaiah 46:3b-4, "You whom I have upheld since your were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." (NIV)
© 2010 by Melissa Taylor. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org
