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She looked across the table as she confided in me. “I feel like I’m not enough,” she whispered.
“Not enough what?” I asked.
“Just not enough,” she answered.
I exhaled slowly. This accomplished woman felt like she was not enough? I couldn’t believe it. I had harbored the same feelings myself. But she was the only other person who had ever admitted her self-doubt to me. Because of her honesty, together we deconstructed where the feelings came from and how they hindered us. And we resolved to change the phrase from “not enough” to “enough” since the Bible clearly tells us that we are made in God’s image and that what he makes is plenty.
Why is it we doubt this so? Our “enoughness?” Is it the voice of a never-satisfied parent, a push-till-you-get-it-right teacher, a preacher who slipped into the severe too many times?
I’ve thought of that conversation many times since, usually when I’m experiencing fear or self-doubt. Leadership has its challenges and one of them is having the confidence to forge ahead even when we are uncertain. And believe me, I’ve been uncertain a lot! It’s comforting to know that others I admire experience the same feelings.
I heard a statement that addresses this very issue: God does not call the equipped. He equips the called. You may have heard this saying too. But just for a moment, let the words go beyond your ears into your being. If he thinks enough of you to set you in a certain spot of leadership, then he knows what you need to accomplish what he has in mind. Really.
If you’ve been called to an assignment that feels overwhelming, know that God will equip you. And because that equipping may come through the hands or skills of other people, be sure to look around you and reach out to those who may help you realize your vision or calling. Pride often keeps us from doing so. Leadership doesn’t require us to go it alone.
And when you still have days when you feel like you are not enough, remember that God is more than enough. Always.
Wow, you hit the nail on the head with this writing for me. I am less than two weeks away for a major festival that I have been planning for the whole year. This is my fourth year doing this and I feel less prepared this year than I have before and I'm more experienced. This job comes with many challenges within the community and I often times feel so inadequate and unqualified for being here as the museum's curator. I don't have the professional credentials, but I still have the job. That should speak loud and clear to me everyday - and I know that this job was handed to me on a silver plate straight from God's hands to mine. He called me here for a reason and I don't know what that is after 3 years of being here. So to read your words that He is enough, He will equip, He will provide is a shot in the arm that I really needed to read today. I know all these things, but still needed to read them and it's so easy to skip right past what I need it most - God's love and presence and forgiveness and strength and wisdom - when I'm so tunnel visioned about the festival. THANK YOU for giving me something that I needed to stop and read today - I wasn't going to at first, but thought it just might help, little did I realize how much. God bless you in your ministry.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I needed that word of encouragement today. I am teaching a women's ABF and my class yesterday did not go as smoothly as I wanted. So, I've been beating myself up a bit, "not quite good enough" describes it well. The reminder that God has placed me in this position, and he is always enough, was a timely reminder.
ReplyDeleteI have often thought this of myself -- perhaps it was that preacher who slipped into the severe. I will post this quote: "God does not call the equipped. He equips the called" on my desk to remind myself daily.
ReplyDeleteThank you.