Focus—Resting in Christ’s “Enoughness” - The Gentleness Challenge: a 7-Day devotional

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

Anybody tired of being told how “amazing,” “capable,” “boss babe,” and “worthy” you are? Meeee too! I mean, it sounds so good until you’re barely hanging onto the rear bumper of the struggle bus and realize that, if you’re so great, you should just be able power through this terrible day/week/month you’re having. Without anybody’s help. Because you’re too capable to need that.

But the fact of the matter is this: I am not enough, and that is a very good thing. I was never meant to be. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the only thing that’s enough for all of my selfishness, insecurity, and, yes, runaway tongue. (This goes for my kids too!)

Praise God He gives grace when we need it (always), pricks our consciences with conviction when we fall short (daily), and never ever stops loving us (incredibly). Embrace your not-enough-ness, friends! Remember: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

ACTION STEPS:

• As you begin your day, ask God to give you His strength—even when you don’t have enough—to be kind, patient, calm, and gentle today.
• If you’re having a hard day, acknowledge this to your kids without using it as an excuse, and ask them to help you and pray for you today.
• Pray for your accountability partner(s), that they may recognize their own weakness and give it to the Lord to be replaced by His strength.