“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
2 Corinthians 3:5 (ESV)
Is He is enough?
For a Christian, of course our response should be “YES!” But before we jump to that response, consider the question fully. Is He enough? The truth is that we are prone to say that He is sufficient while living lives that are deeply dependent on other things instead of Him. It is so subtle, it happens so slowly, and it is a constant battle for every follower of Christ. There are three questions that I have asked myself that have helped me answer this question and that have given me a spiritual “gut check.”
1) Do I value my security over my calling?
This is incredibly difficult for most people who live in a culture blessed with financial security. Although financial security is NOT evil, our reliance on it and worship of it is. What would I do for God’s kingdom if I weren’t bound by my need to be secure? I am amazed as I read the stories of the men and women who have come before me who have given everything to serve God. My heart is that I pursue my calling over my security because my ultimate security is in Him alone.
2) Do I think that my effectiveness in ministry is nothing more than a result of my ability or skill?
God equips his children to do what He calls them to do. My gifts and abilities are given to me by God to use for Him, BUT my usefulness is not limited to my natural abilities. God is supernaturally at work in the world, and He works supernaturally through us as we trust Him. If you continually feel as though you are not “good enough” to serve Him, find confidence in the fact that He is enough. He is sufficient. He uses the willing, and through His work, He has declared the willing worthy of his work.
3) Am I deeply fearful of the unknown?
It is completely natural to feel uneasy about the unknown or the future. However, the moment when “unease” grows to become crippling fear is the moment when we are no longer trusting that He is enough. If you are standing on the edge of the unknown and afraid to take the next step, find confidence in the fact that He is enough. He is sufficient. Even my unknown is known by Him.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 2:19 (ESV)