| Melissa Taylor |
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV 1984)
Is God enough? It's a question that my circumstances bring me back to quite often. Over a lifetime I've concluded not only is God enough, but He has to be enough.
It takes effort on my part to make sure my heart is staying in this truth.
As a young child, I didn't realize my need for God, but I did realize I had a need that was not fulfilled. I was sexually abused when I was seven years old. My dad left our family when I was eleven. Both circumstances left me devastated, and I didn't understand how God could bring healing at that time. I spent many years trying to heal myself and make myself feel better.
Nothing was enough to meet my needs. Nothing worked.
As I grew older, I moved from being a Christian who simply believed to becoming a Christian actively seeking and following Jesus. And my life began to change.
Because I was having direct conversations with God and consistently reading His Word, I was challenged. I learned that when the hard knocks came, and they would, I needed to ask one question in order to move on: "Is God enough?"
When a friend betrays me, is God enough?
When I need to forgive what seems unforgivable, is God enough?
When my child has issues out of my control, is God enough?
When my marriage is on the brink of destruction, is God enough?
When I am not forgiven by another, is God enough?
When my mom is dying of cancer, is God enough?
When others don't recognize my value, is God enough?
When I struggle professionally, is God enough?
When someone I love uses words to hurt me, is God enough?
When I am in debt and don't know how I'll pay my bills, is God enough?
When my past haunts me, is God enough?
When my health declines, is God enough?
When I am let down and disappointed in my life, is God enough?
The last time I asked "Is God enough?" I opened a box of personalized Bible verses someone very special had given me. Reading verse by verse out loud silenced the thoughts paralyzing me with self-doubt.
I discovered the answer I always came to when I asked "Is God enough?" Yes He is.
Nothing here on earth is guaranteed. If I lost everything, I'd be okay because no one can take away my Jesus. Whether I live in a mansion on a hill or a shack in the swamp, I have my Jesus. Whether the world is for me or against me, I have my Jesus. When I am knocked down, I get on my knees and find my Jesus.
When life becomes more than you think you can handle, don't quit. And certainly don't believe the lie God is not enough. Instead, ask yourself, "Is God enough for me? Then plant His Word deep in your heart so you'll always have the ready answer, that yes He is. He is enough for me, for you: "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)
Dear Lord, help me to realize and remember the secret to being content in all circumstances is You. Help me to be aware of Your presence in my life at all times. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Melissa's blog to sign up for her free online Bible study! Join Melissa as she leads a community of online friends to learn how to stop doubting ourselves and start living in the security of God's promises based on Renee Swope's new book, A Confident Heart. All are invited!
Visit Melissa's blog to sign up for her free online Bible study! Join Melissa as she leads a community of online friends to learn how to stop doubting ourselves and start living in the security of God's promises based on Renee Swope's new book, A Confident Heart. All are invited!
Enter to win an autographed copy of A Confident Heart, by Renee Swope by clicking here to visit Melissa's blog A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Live in the Security of God's Promises by Renee Swope The Women's Devotional Bible
Application Steps:
Honestly assess if God is enough in your life. Do you find yourself needing or wanting more? Remind yourself that God knows you inside and out. He loves you no matter what and He always will.
Honestly assess if God is enough in your life. Do you find yourself needing or wanting more? Remind yourself that God knows you inside and out. He loves you no matter what and He always will.
Reflections:
What can I do today to remind myself that God is enough?
What can I do today to remind myself that God is enough?
Is there a situation in my life that I need to turn over to the Lord?
Power Verses:
Psalm 33:4, "For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." (NIV 1984)
Psalm 33:4, "For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." (NIV 1984)
Isaiah 46:3b-4, "You whom I have upheld since your were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." (NIV 1984)
About Melissa Taylor
“I have seen too many women who are not living their lives fully because of their past, present, or future circumstances and it breaks my heart. It is my true desire to show them that it is possible to live a life of joy and freedom despite their past or circumstances. God loves them no matter what.” ~Melissa Taylor
Melissa is the Director of Online Bible Studies at Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is a woman who people relate to because she’s not afraid to talk about real issues honestly. She has been speaking and writing for Proverbs 31 Ministries for eleven years. She is a contributing author to God’s Purpose for Every Woman , The Reason We Speak, and the Real Life Devotional Bible for Women. Her writing is also featured in the P31 Woman magazine and the ministry’s online devotions, Encouragement for Today. Her greatest joy in life is sharing the hope of God with others because she has learned first hand what He and only He can do.
In 2011, Melissa began Online Bible Studies on her blog because she wanted to provide a venue of study for women who aren’t in a Bible study group for whatever reason. Melissa has lead over 70,000 people in online studies and in the summer of 2013 her study page will move to it’s new home on the Proverbs 31 Ministries website! Melissa lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, Jeff, four children, Blake, Hayden, Dylan, and Hayley Grace, and her sweet dogs Princess and Maggie. Melissa and her family attend Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC.
LightSource@crosswalkmail.com
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