Have you ever gotten that awful pit-in-your-stomach feeling after finding out you let someone down?
It felt like the wind had been knocked out of me as I read through an email from a client, sent to my manager and forwarded to me, describing how I had let some details fall through the cracks on a project.
A horrible sense of discouragement and embarrassment moved in for the kill.
In the past, I would have welcomed my uninvited critical thoughts to stay a while, resigned to the fact that I must be unable to do anything right!
But not this time; too many hurtful experiences had taught me to recognize failure as an opportune time for my opponent, the devil, to devour me with feelings of inadequacy and shame. This enemy is bent on making me believe that when my best isn’t good enough, I’m not good enough.
Fortunately, times of pain have also included hours of poring over God’s promises, gathering wisdom to deal with this unwelcome intruder. I have learned to be alert to the devil’s schemes and ready to stand against them. In 1 Peter 5:8-9, Peter tells us how:
“Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour. Be firm in the faith and resist him, knowing that other believers throughout the world are going through the same kind of suffering” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
After reading the email and letting my thoughts run wild for a few minutes, I knew I had to clear my mind. I asked the Holy Spirit to help me un-clutter my thoughts with the clarity of truth from logistical, circumstantial and spiritual points of view….
Read the rest of this story and what happened in my Encouragement for Today on the Proverbs 31 Ministries blog. But BEFORE YOU go…
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one of my bible verses for today is Psalm 73 “my heart and flesh may fail but he is my strength of my heart and portion forever.” Humbling moments come, I appreciated your questions to help evaluate the situation and learn from it. But, what I find mist helpful in my weekly meltdowns on not being enough is that He is, and that is exactly what He wants me to remember. Noy my inadequacies, but His sufficiency. I am so thankful that He is my strength and so thankful for others that also seek Him in the storms.
Hi Rene,
I am so grateful for todays devotional and for you and your books and website. Thank you so so much I have always whipped myself mercilessly. I have struggled for many years with Approval Addiction and trying to be perfect, which i never will be. Self Acceptance and loving myself as God loves me unconditionally is part of my recovery process. I have come a long way with the Grace of God. This morning i was whipping myself over a little incident at work. I realize now that Saton was trying to rob me of my peace. I will not allow that to happen. I have the power to choose,how exciting, thank you for todays devotional which set my mind on the right track, the Lord Bless you and keep you Rene.
Terrie
Today I decided to take a little time to read my numerous unread emails from Proverbs 31. I haven’t not wanted to read them, I just haven’t had the time. Or so I thought. Turns out when I took the time to read God’s word, He had a message for me. This semester at college has been brutal with all that I have going on and I have never felt more unintelligent or more crunched for time. I strive to do the best I can in my classes, and time commitments. But, when things don’t go right, I feel like a failure and feel stupid. This (and You Can’t Cram for What Matters Most) devotion helped me to remember to stay confident and keep doing what I know is my best while making small blocks of time of more value. God is on my side and I need to bring my prayers to Him when my best isn’t good enough. Such a great eye-opener!! Thank you so much!
Thank you for reminding me that it’s what God thinks that is important! I have always been a people pleaser, and it is exhausting. Many days, I feel like it’s never enough. Thanks again for your encouraging words, and reminding me of the promises I already know!
Ohhh – knowing our worth in Christ even when we don’t feel we measure up — this is so where I am right now in my life. It’s an ongoing challenge – to listen to Him and hold that Truth in my heart and now allow the enemy that room.
Thank you for sharing. Such a strong powerful message to every young woman, mother and child, I am enough.
this was a great read for me as I made a big mistake today and let someone down…. I just found your blog and the Proverbs 31 site~ I look forward to reading more. THank you.