You’re Not Alone

“We’re not supposed to have enough. We’re supposed to bring what we have, our clearly not enough, to Jesus and ask Him to meet us where we are.” – Sheila Walsh

For my mother, I am sure there was nothing more isolating than raising seven kids on the mission field of Congo. Like most people she battled with the guilt and concern about not being or doing enough.

Since travel was challenging and email had not yet been invented, a simple mission’s trip for my Dad could turn into months away with no way to communicate leaving my mom as solo parent. With no other English-speaking families around or “Mom’s groups” to share kid and missionary challenges with, she drew from her source…her relationship with God.

When we were older, she shared how many times she would receive a letter from home either just when she needed it, or months later from someone who had been praying right when she was turning to God in desperation. The words would affirm her as a mom, strengthen her when she felt she was making mistakes, and breathe new life into our families calling to the mission field.

How many times have you felt like you aren’t enough, have failed, aren’t measuring up, or simply can’t get it together? Our fast pace world and social media seem to amp up the challenges and expectations on who we are and who we should be. Unfortunately, we see the best of everyone all at once, and then expect somehow to measure up to all of them. So, let’s dispel a few myths.

EVERYONE struggles with not being enough, fails at some point, doesn’t measure up, and will have times when they can’t get it together, so stop being so hard on yourself. You are not alone. You WILL do great things together with God.

So, if you find yourself in a place of self doubt, start by rejuvenating yourself and renew your mind with Him.

“Love (God) is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” – Galatians 5:22-23

With God these times of self-doubt, fear, and failure are turned into opportunities to become stronger and launch into bigger things. Today begin to see yourself as God sees you, as a child deeply loved by Him. Pick up your Bible and find some simple steps towards moving forward, one day at a time by reading Sheila Walsh’s book “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay”.

Through fears and failures, He has never stopped loving you. He knows just where you are and all you will accomplish together. He will bring the right people to you, encourage you and strengthen you for next steps. You are not alone. We’re in this together!