I am not enough! (And that's good news.)

“You are enough!” I hear the empowering message at every street corner and on every mug. Yet, inside my heart, it rings hollow. I know the truth; I am not enough. From parenting to writing, I daily run into my limitations. On my own, I have a scant supply of resources to accomplish tasks and live life.

Thankfully, I am not enough. God is.

A glass measuring cup can only hold the volume it denotes. I can pour and pour, but only the designated amount will flow out. This basic fact of cooking is harder to accept in my life. When the days are long and the needs even longer, I find my limited capacity frustrating. Exhaustion sets in and my joy leaks out.

Each one of us holds a uniquely designed capacity. When I try to carry more than I'm designed to hold, I crack. Overwhelmed, I grasp and strive and hurry to fill the lack. If I continue in that vein, I shatter. A glass measuring cup helps no baker when it scatters on the floor in shards. 

Nor can I serve my God with humility and joy when I have run myself aground by operating like a gallon bucket when I am a pint-sized measuring cup. I cannot supply all my needs or yours. While we are told by our culture, “you are enough,” it is a lie that places an unnecessary burden on our shoulders.

Are you stretched beyond your ability in this season? I am, but I’m learning that my limitations are a gift.

God's capacity to supply our needs is limitless. In fact, our little glass measuring cups of grace never run dry when we are asking for His help. He can pour us out repeatedly, and He is always enough.

Today, you may walk difficult paths, face endless tasks, and meet daily needs. Your heart carries anxiety. You have found the limits of your capacity. Take heart and remember this truth.

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." 

2 Corinthians 9:8

All grace. All sufficiency. All things. Every good work. 

His capacity poured into your life. Take a deep breath and ask Him to fill you.

As He does, ask yourself these questions.

• Am I carrying burdens God did not place there? Ask for clarity.
• In what ways is God supplying my needs today? Turn your heart toward gratitude.
• What "good work" has God (not others) set before me today? Ask for discernment.
• Have I asked Him for help and clarification on my capacity? Seek His grace.

As you go back into your day, trust that God has designed you with intention, purpose, and love. Your hands and heart may be full to overflowing, but keep running to Him. His love and grace will never run dry.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26