I’m Not Good Enough…Period

Honestly, it’s been a season of craziness.

I feel like I just can’t catch a break. Sometimes it’s hard not to believe that all this craziness isn’t a reflection of me.

When your world is caving in, it is pretty easy to start pointing the finger at your self-worth.

If only I had better time management. If only I prayed or read more. If only I had shown grace instead of yelled and became angry. If only I had not said that or did that.  If only I were skinnier, smarter, more gifted…the list of “if I only’s” could go on and on.

Why do we quickly blame ourselves when all hell breaks loose? We easily extend grace to others yet; we crucify our hearts under the law.

I’m the insane mom who kind of freaks out over spilled milk before 7 am. And I’m the insane woman who allows accusations to bombard me till my head hits the pillow at night. You’ll never get it right. None of the other moms yell at their kids. The children will always remember me as the crazy mom who could never get it together. If only I had gotten up earlier that never would have happened. You’ll never be good enough.

Where is the grace we so desperately need? The grace that lavishes unmerited favor and underserved love on us. The grace that loves us insanely because Jesus paid the price on the cross (Romans 5:8). Where is that grace when our hearts need it?

I’m not good enough…period.

I will fail before I ever get started… so why bother.

It’s been a long time living this way…

We rake ourselves over the hot coals of the law every day. Our minds have become the battle field for the enemy’s lies, allowing them to steal our joy and rest. Energy is exhausted from combating all the lies leaving us worn-out and unfulfilled.

The reality is the same grace we receive from God is the grace that we extend to others.

“Cease striving and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10).

We can’t afford to allow our souls to run dry by leaving grace out. It’s all about silencing the lies swarming around us and replacing them with the Truth. Allowing Truth to penetrate our hearts.

…you’ll never be good enough has bombarded our minds for so long, it’s become our imitation “truth.” We believe we are not good enough and we never will be, no matter how hard we try.

Do we combat this lie by telling ourselves to be more “Christ-like” as if the gospel was a ladder we ascend to become “good”?

If we finally arrived would we need the gospel anymore?

The gospel is not about being good; it’s about accepting grace.

Sometimes we think to live this productive, fruitful life; we need to work harder and longer than the person next to us. But what if we were called to rest to produce?

What if we silenced the lies with rest?

Victory doesn’t come through our independent efforts; victory comes through our entirely dependent hearts.

The gospel is not just for the unsaved; the gospel is for you. It’s for me. It’s for us daily.

Surrendering daily to this grace He gives so freely.

In this very moment, you and I are good enough. When God looked at Adam and Eve, “He saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). They hadn’t done a thing!

We are very good!!

Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross for us to stand blameless and faultless before Father God. Let’s release ourselves from the lie that has held us back for so long. Extend grace to yourself today.

…He gives greater grace (James 4:6).

Won’t we extend greater grace to ourselves today?

-take the scenic route home today, taking in God’s creation.

-let go of that extra “good” thing on your plate.

-light a candle, sit for a moment, and mediate on His grace.

-treat yourself to something sweet.

-take a bath and soak in His promises.

-slow down long enough to hear His truth echo in your heart.

-breathe in “I am very good” when the lie comes.

Today let’s be kind to ourselves by accepting His grace and declaring we are good enough… through Him!