I was completely blindsided. I’d been called into a meeting at my church with another women in leadership who was upset with me. She’d been upset with me for months, but I had just found out about it.
Someone had told her I didn’t agree with the way she was leading. But that wasn’t at all what I’d said – months before – in a meeting with several other leaders. I had simply been asked my opinion about a situation and I shared my thoughts and they weren’t directly about her at all. And I was so sad that I was just being asked about it, several months later.
I was hurt. She was hurt. We both volunteered countless hours in ministry, pouring our hearts and our lives into women in our church. All the while, we were on the same team and assumed we both fully supported one another. But now the trust we had built for years was coming unraveled.
It was a mess. I was a mess.
I was done. I decided I wasn’t strong enough. Wasn’t resilient enough. And I was exhausted from trying.
That afternoon I went home and cried. Told God I was ready to call it quits. Laying my head down on my desk, I said I couldn’t do it anymore.
But… {my heart whispered} there was more to it… “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
I knew in that moment if I was willing to die to myself and completely rely on Christ in Me I could experience resurrection power.
I could walk away from God’s calling on my life or I could allow Jesus to live HIS life through me.
I could die to my desire to protect myself from getting hurt again and choose to tap into His power by relying on the strength of His Spirit in me .
I wasn’t enough … wasn’t strong enough, resilient enough, or humble enough. But Christ in me was more than enough.
In my P31 devotion today, I talked about how we can turn away from our feelings of defeat and doubt by living in the Light of God’s Truth. And here is one of the most important truths:
Jesus did not die on the cross just to get us out of hell and into heaven. He died on the cross to get Himself out of heaven and into us! That is resurrection life – and the very place where we get our enough!
If you have been crucified with Christ, you no longer live, but Christ lives in you!! The life you now live in the body, you can choose to live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave himself for you.”
When you feel inadequate, remember God says: You are CHOSEN.
“‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he’” (Isa. 43:10).
When you feel afraid, remember God says: You are REDEEMED.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isa. 43:1).
When you feel unloved, God says: You are LOVED.
“You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you” (Isa. 43:4).
When you feel forgotten, God says: You are REMEMBERED.
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isa. 49:16).
When you feel insecure, God says: You are SECURE.
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” (Deut. 33:12).
When you feel unable or unstable, God says: You are ABLE.
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (Hab. 3:19).
When you feel worthless, God says: You are CALLED.
“Youare a chosen [woman], a royal [priest], a holy [daughter], God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Pet. 2:9).
DOWNLOAD PRINTABLES of today’s promises {in MSWord} OR {in a PDF}.
Lasting Confidence Giveaway: Enter to WIN 2 signed copies of my book, A Confident Heart, a Starbucks gift card and a Bath& Body works yummy fall treat! To enter, simply leave a comment below this post where it says “SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS” and do just that – you can share your thoughts about about today’s post or my devotion :-).
PS. Be sure to DOWNLOAD a free PRINTABLE of today’s promises {in MSWord} OR {in a PDF}.
Thank-you, Renee. Your blog post in Proverbs 31 Ministry today was just what I needed today. God’s timing is always so perfect. I had just admitted to myself yesterday that the reason that I struggle so much in life is because I (and those close to me) can never live up to my high (and often unrealistic) expectations. I often withdraw or quit in fear of failure. When asked what I was afraid of when I didn’t live up to those expectations, I replied that I was afraid of failure, of not being good enough and therefore unlovable. But you squashed all those fears by showing me God’s words. I am chosen. I am able.
You always have the right words just when they are needed the mist. Thanks for the reminder and the confidence to go forward knowing who I am and who I belong to and whim I’m showcasing through my words and actions. Bless you for your ministry.
Renee~
Thank you so much for sharing this topic with me. It really means a lot to me. You see, I been through a lot of rough experiences through out my whole life. I’ve been sexually abused, molested, physically abused, spiritually abused, and raped. I currently suffer from major depression, I have my whole life, and most recently I was diagnosed with the early onset stages of Fibromyalgia. I have been unemployed since 2008. I had to quit my job in 2008 to take care of my mother who was diagnosed with CNS lymphoma (brain cancer). I took care of her until she died on August 4th, 2009. Losing my mother was a major, major emotional setback for me. I ended up hospitalized. My mother and I were very close. In 2010 I went to college to become a medical administrative assistant and graduated with honors in April of 2011. I was promised help from the school that I went to and never received help even though I tried to get help. I’ve filled out many applications, posted my resume on many websites, and to no avail I haven’t received responses back. This has taken a financial toll on me as well. But, to God be the glory! He has been my Rock through it all! I put my hope, faith, and trust in Him and only Him. I’ve surrendered myself to God many times and will continue to do so. My God is in control! He is Mighty to save. Your topic gave me a reminder of just how good God is to me all the time. No matter what circumstances I’ve gone through or am going through right now, God has always been here to save me. I have your book already with a special verse that you’ve chosen specifically for me. I’m not looking to win any contests. I just wanted to share that I appreciate how God works mightily through you to help people like me. You are truly a blessing, Renee, and I appreciate what you share with me. You are an encouragement to me and I can’t thank you enough for your ministry and your books. May God richly bless you, Renee.
Love In Christ,
Aleithia
Thank you so much for this article. In our women’s group this year we have been studying ourselves in Christ. This month’s meeting was about who we are when our husbands, children, and jobs are stripped away. I have had the hardest time trying to see who I would be if I wasn’t a wife, a mother, or a chemist. Who would I be? I am chosen! I am a daughter of the KING! Thanky ou for bringing to light the verses that I needed to confirm myself in the Lord!
Thank you! I really needed this today. I plan on reading it several times and meditating on the scripture.
I live in Kingston, Jamaica and a few years ago my coworker introduced to your website for daily devotions and I have been hooked since. I am really thankful that God is using this website made by women to reach out to other women. I always share these devotions with my church sisters and even brothers and friends. You have blessed many people. Continue to let the Lord use you to reach others even across the seas.
There are many times when I get the feeling of being inadequate, not measuring up. I am grateful for your thoughts today. I know I am chosen by God and He has a purpose for my life.
Regarding the book, if I win, I will ensure that I share it with others.
Be blessed.
Thank you so much for today’s devotional. This one and the P31 Ministry devotional hit the very core of what I’ve been feeling lately. Tell you what…. Satan sure does a good job of planting those seeds of doubt. Thank you for giving of yourself and your time to help us stay on track! I believe a copy of your book would really help solidify those “God thoughts”!
God Bless you~~
What a great post….love it. And thanks for the scriptures to keep handy! I would love a copy of your book….actually read it on Kindle, but I want a print form to read again and again, mark in it, and absorb it more!
Wonderful book.
Blessings~~
I will be turning 50 on November 27th. As it gets closer, I find myself pondering what I have done with my life and what I’m going to do with the rest of it. I know that’s normal, but sometimes I get really scared thinking that I’m almost 50 already and how fast time goes. And though I have a wonderful husband, I never was able to have children so who’s going to take care of me when I’m old? What is my purpose in life. And then the “you’re not good enough” thoughts start in. Isaiah 43 really helps comfort me when these thoughts hit, especially verse 1 where God say “you are mine.” Thank you for these truths today Renee and reminding us that no matter our age or what others may think, we are all special to God!!
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isa. 43:1).
Today was the first time I’ve ever read any of the Proverbs 31 devotions. Of course it’s all about timing. God knows what and when we need to hear. I struggle on and off with insecurity. Lately I’ve really had some doubts about me. I needed to read this today. The shadow blocks the light. What others think and how I perform are big ones for me. I am called out of darkness and into His marvelous Light. I want to remember what He thinks of me. Thank you for this word.
Nancy
Thank you so much for today’s lesson. I have had many episodes of feeling I was not good enough. I recall thinking when I was a little girl how I felt I wasn’t good enough – for anything; not even good enough to go to heaven.
I thank God for His Spirit who worked through godly people He placed on my life journey who showed me and taught me that God loved me and had chosen me for His purpose. It wasn’t until I was in my 30s that I came to realize that it was not me but Christ in me that makes the difference.
One day while standing on a college campus waiting for my husband to pick me up, I had a conversation with God concerning the difficulty I was having with some other leaders of the youth ministry. At the time I was the Youth Director but there were others who were making my job tough. I started to feel I wasn’t good enough and questioned my ability as the leader even though during my leadership the ministry had grown, the youth had grown and several activities had been implemented that lead the Pastor to recognize me for doing an outstanding job and making history in the ministry and the church. Still, I was not good enough. I couldn’t handle the ridicule, the lies and the disappointments.
The Lord spoke to me that afternoon and told me that this was all part of the process and that I will be prosecuted. He also told me that it wasn’t about me but about Him. He promised me that He would be with me and I was to look to Him for my strength and guidance. From that moment, which I call my “defining moment”, I look to Him and allow the Lord to strengthen me and remind me that only through Him am I good enough.
God bless you and thank you again for allowing God to use you in a mighty way.
Renee, I appreciate so much the way you open your heart to tell us what God has done for you and will do for us. I have been in similar situations but I didn’t pray, I quit. I never stopped to think if I was valuable or not and I never listened to God. It’s no wonder why life is a wreck when we’re in the driver’s seat.
Blessings
Wow, its like you read my mind….I CONSTANTLY struggle with this problem. Only recently have I figured out that THAT is really what the problem IS. I’ve known that I have been dealing with insecurity and depression for quite some time, but its only since I’ve started listening to KLove and following a couple of blogs I discovered on Proverbs 31 ministries that I figured out that a deep sense of unworthiness, and inadequecy is the root of these feelings. Thanks for posting this – I definitely think I would benefit from reading your book, so I hope I win!!
Thank you for this devotion today. I have been feeling inadequate as a mother as my relationship with my oldest son is non-existent. He no longer talks to me and if he does, he’s very disrespectful and hurtful. He is using drugs and alcohol and into porn and illicit sex. My heart breaks for him. I know I have been less than perfect in my upbringing of my three kids. I made a lot of mistakes. I believe I am paying for those mistakes now so it has lead to my feelings of inadequacy. Your devotion has helped to remind me that I am a daughter of the Most High. THat I am forgiven and that God is in control. Thank you for these reminders. I pray for guidance and direction and that God will move in my childrens’ lives.
Thank you so much for today’s devotion and thank you for your encouragement it has come at a much needed time. I find it very easy to encourage other women, but when it comes to myself it is a different story. Often times I struggle with God am I good enough to do what You have called me to do or who You’ve called me to be……a soon to be pastor’s wife. And you have reminded me I am everything He has called me to be. Today and everyday I will walk in “God-fidence” knowing I am exactly who He has made me to be and called me to do. Thank you again for sharing your struggles and just being real. May the Lord Bless you abundantly!
Thankyou for reminding me Jesus didn’t just die on the cross for me because of my sins but he died on the cross to live in me. Thankyou.
This was just the information I needed at this very time in my life. Thank you and God bless you for sharing such life-changing information. I look forward to continuing to read your heaven-sent work!
I had to give a chuckle this morning. I had just gotten done with my morning Quiet Time and had *just* finished telling GOD how very unworthy and worthless I felt because of how I have failed Him. My phone dinged telling me a new email had come in, I opened it and low and behold it was your devotion. Does GOD have a sense of humor or what? This is just what I needed. I am printing out your promises page even now. Thank you.
I’ve been lacking confidence lately, especially in my schoolwork. When I feel overwhelmed, I often tell myself I’m not good enough, smart enough, strong enough, and I’m going to collapse. I think of it as the push I need to work harder so I can get everything I need to accomplished, but it tears me down instead of building me up. Instead of GIVING me strength, it TAKES my strength. This devotion was a beautiful reminder that I can have confidence in God–confidence that will give me strength. Thank you for sharing this wisdom and encouragement!
Recently within the past month or so I have been feeling so inadequate. I know that it is just an attack on me from the enemy. I have been getting involved with our youth group girls and I have no doubt in my mind that this is where the Lord wants me but these feelings have just been coming up in my head. Just the other day we had an activity and my group of girls didn’t “choose” to go with me. Thoughts started going through my head saying to me…see you aren’t good enough…they didn’t even choose to go with you. It just kept festering at me. But it all comes back to the self confidence issue in me….I lack it. Thank you so much for this word this morning. It just blessed me beyond belief. A great reminder of how the enemy tries to trick you into believing those doubts….BUT GOD!!!!!! I know the Lord has great plans for me and I have to get that GOD-fidence in myself!!! What a blessing you have been!!!
I love it, Renee! Thanks for sharing openly and encouraging those of us who can relate to the struggles of leadership! Blessings!
This is just what I needed to hear. I wrestle with this lie from satan often. That I am just not enough. I have said it to myself in so many ways… lie after lie after lie. I’m not pretty enough, smart enough, generous enough, thin enough, organized enough, loving enough, Godly enough, sweet enough, talented enough and the list goes on and on. It has endless aplications and satan knows just what to say to put those seeds of doubt in my head and watch me squirm. I am so thankful for your words of encouragement. It is nice to know that I am not alone in this struggle. God is with us every day. With Him we are all enough in everything we do. Thank you for laying out some of those “I feel” lies from satan and replacing them with Gods truth and light…for those shadows of doubt truly do dissapear when we focus on Gods light and love!! 🙂
I enjoy reading your devotions as they all come in a time that I am going through what your message is about. My supervisor introduced me to you and your website. The both of us share your messages and it helps us to continue to provide excellant service to our organization. God has blessed you to send us blessings. Please continue to provide and I will continue to pray that God sends you the message to give.
Oh, isn’t it funny how you don’t even know you need something till you get it and that emptiness is suddely filled and it brings you to tears. Thank you for listening to God so he could use you to speak His love into my life today. 🙂
I had this happen to me and was totally blindsided! I had NO clue I had offended this woman. We worked it out and I apoligized even though I did no wrong, but it still lingers in our relationship. I’m fearful of offending others and have stepped back in a few areas. But on the other hand God has opened other doors of ministry for me. Thank you so much for sharing your ups and downs. God has really been using your ministry in my life and I have been able to share what I have learned with many others. It’s wonderful to serve a living, loving and forgiving God.
Don’t let the e-mail address name fool you, I actually rarely feel “glad2bme” and suffer daily with a lack of self confidence, so much so that I rarely leave my house. This makes me sad since I know this is not what God intended for my life because how can I possibly be a great witness for Him if I never see or talk to anyone else? Sounds like your book was written for people just like me and I hope I can win it and change my life so that maybe someone else’s life will be changed for the better as well!
Thanks so much for this devotional and especially for the bible verse printout. What a great reminder to keep handy in my bible.
Thank you for this devotional. I know God’s word is true and reciting His promises always helps me!
Yesterday I put your book in my Amazon “shopping cart” to purchase next time I had a little extra money.
This morning came and it was rough. I was struggling with self-doubt and jealousy. God and I were working through it, but I was feeling defeated and weak. At the same time I was grateful that He is a big God who hears my heart’s cries even when they are not eloquently spoken.
As I was struggling I felt nudged to read one of my daily devotions. I opened my Proverbs 31 email and started reading today’s devotion, “When You Feel Like You’re Not Enough.” Seemed appropriate. I started reading without really looking at the author’s name. Your words spoke to me and echoed God’s truth. You referenced Isaiah 43:1-4, a verse that has been sitting on my desk for weeks. I am precious in God’s sight and He loves me. I smiled at the connection.
As I finished the devotion, and went to print it, I noticed the author. “Renee Swope, Author of A Confident Heart.” The book that is sitting in my shopping cart waiting to be purchased and read. Now I really smiled at the connections.
God spoke to me. He told me as plain as day that I am good enough. I am loved. I am a daughter of the Most High. He also reminded me that it is time to believe His truths about me and live a life of confidence through Him.
Thank you. Your words and God’s truths have blessed me immeasurably today. I pray you are encouraged in your walk and blessed in return.
Wow, God is good, this is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thanks so much!
Thank you Renee for your choice words. I keep coming back to these thoughts about being enough. About not being picked & therefore not loved. Pray that I finally hear and belive that being loved by God IS enough. Abba is big enough to love each of us and still be enough. Appreciate your counsel. Grateful. My part s to believe. Blessings…
This story is really beautiful and inspirational. This story was what I needed to hear. It gave me hope and confidence. I always felt that other people were better than me or I wasn’t good enough. Thank you for the beautiful Bible verse, Renee.
Thank you for this devotional. It helped me put into perspective that when I doubt, I am hindering God. Thank you also for the “When you feel” statements!
I would love to win this book and package. We all at times frind ourselves overwhelmed with life. We are at burn out and need a good cup of coffee and a nice soak in the tub. I find your reminders fill that for me.
They bring me back to our Heavenly Fathers reminders that we are not walking this walk alone. We need our armour on and our minds tuned to Him. Thank you for all your reminders and your willingness to be obedient to Him.
Thank you for sharing this devotion. Actually, a very close friend of mine sent it to me and it was just what I needed today. Although I find myself in a much better place spiritually these days, doubt always seems to be a struggle. When you spoke of how “your insecurities were creating a huge shadow over your soul-a shadow of doubt,” that really resonated with me. I went through a similar dark period in my life after a trouble-some diagnosis, and found myself very much in the shadow’s of darkness, I created. Through God’s amazing graze, and much prayer, He brought me back into the light. Thank you for being so transparent.
Bless you.
Pressing On…
My husband and I foster a sibling group of three and we have had them since newborns from the hospital and the oldest is 8 and the twins are 7. All three have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and so all three have different challenges. This last week has been especially tough and I have been very discouraged and I have been feeling like I am not able to do what God has called me to do. It’s too much for me and I feel I am not the one God should have chosen to do this. Thank you so much for your sweet reminders in scripture. The one that spoke to me the most is Hab. 3:19 God says I am ABLE! Thank you so much for your encouragement!
misunderstandings sometimes can be the work of our enemy. If he can get us to feel hurt… He can knock us down and out if we let him. What a powerful encouragment you have brought to me this morning…. I have been struggling with a best friend over this misunderstandings…. And today I now know how to respond…. Thank you so much!!!!!
This devotional was great. I want to especially thank you for the printable promises!
Thank you for sharing your devotion on self-doubt today. It certainly sunk into my heart and confirmed those feelings of doubt. Thank you for the reminder to re-focus our attentions not on our insecurities but on God, and to keep our focus on Him. I would love to have a copy of your book. It would help me with a new women’s ministry we started in our church for young mothers.
I thank God that you have a heart to help and teach others’ His Word from a woman’s and mother’s perspective. Thank you for your dedication.
Renee,
Thank you for the wonderful reminder of what we are to our God. A reminder to live in His light and His truth. I stuggle with doubt daily and need constat reminding of where this doubt is coming from. It is not from Him. I am printing out the scriptures you listed to remind me daily of the truth. Bless you.
I have such a hard time talking about myself. I wake up each morning thinking that I did not get enough accomplished the day before even though I worked from dawn to dust. I seldom give myself time to sit and read with a good book. It is amazing that such a vast majority of women feel so overwhelmed. This mind set can only be overcome through the power of Jesus Christ. I thank you that you have allowed God to use you to be the vehicle to carry forth His message of depending on Him. Do not shut yourself down.
Thank you for sharing this today. I really appreciate having specific scriptures to be reminded of for those self-doubt moments. Lately they have felt too many! I would love a copy of your book. Thank you for allowing God to use you to further His kingdom! Blessings.
Wow! Thank you, thank you. Your devotion this morning knocked on the door of my heart. For the last almost 4 years ago, the seed of doubt was planted in my life through losing my job. However, God has kept His promise of provisions. Recently, in the last two months is where the real struggle began. Because of things happening in my church my husband (his way of protecting me) asked me to step down from the positions I held. After the initial shock was over and the “whys” were shared; I went into a sphere of several emotions: rejection, disappointment, anger and self-doubt. I could not grasp how those who said they loved me; disappointed me, especially when I had open myself to be accountable to them. I became angry not because of the request, I became angry because the evidence of them not loving me. I believe if you really love a person, and that person is walking in a way that will bring shame to our Father’s name, lovingly tell them. Of course this became fertile ground for slef doubt. I question my purpose, I question my self-worth, I question my gifts, I question who I am, I question am I adequate, I question my competency, I question everything.
However, God shed light through your devotion. I have allowed this humongous shadow of doubt over-shadow what I know to be true. “I have NOT” been living in the light. I have allowed the shadow of self-doubt reign supreme in my life; blocking the light of God’s Truth in my heart. Thank you, Thank you for visiting me in the place where I was and setting me on the path to freedom!
Thank you Renee for this wonderful devotional today. Exactly what I needed to read today! I’m feeling the lack of my GOD-fidence lately and this was a great reminder to turn to HIM and turn everything over to HIM (and not take it all back!). I struggle with self-doubt, but this teaching reinforces (again!) that HE chose me, and I am redeemed, loved, remembered, secure, able and called. Thank you providing such a timely devotional.
Many times in the midst the challenges of work and life I feel like I don’t measure up, can’t get it all done, or don’t do “it” very well. Reading this post today is a tremendous help, letting me know I am loved, I am good, and the efforts that I make in everything I do are good. Thank you. Once again, this ministry has spoken to me in an unexpected and blessed way!
I love the new word God-fidence. This blog was exactly what I needed today to know that I am loved, redeemed, called and remember. Thank you for all your work in The Lord.
Thank you so much for your blessed reminder of what I am to God. So often I forget and get caught up in life of kids, husband, work, household chores that most of all I am God’s beloved.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. What a great reminder (EACH DAY) that we are CHOSEN, REDEEMED, LOVED, REMEMBERED, SECURE, ABLE, and CALLED.
Confidence and security in the Lord and NOT in myself is something I have been battling with as I walk the road of life. I have found, with each and every day, that HE is life and HE is all that I need! Resources like those provided by this ministry are so appreciated!!! Thank you!!!!!
Your blog and devotion both hit their mark today. I have suffered these insecurities since childhood and struggle daily to keep my head up. I would love to win your book to delve more deeply into overcoming this obstacle. Thank you!
Thank you for not giving up and for allowing Christ to work through you! By continuing His work, you are blessing others and allowing us to learn and grow. God bless you!