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}.
Discover more from Renee Swope
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
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!!!