I remember afternoon after afternoon staring at flash cards. I would try to articulate the right word, while having no idea what to say. I could see the frustration in my parents eyes. I could sense the air of irritation at my stupidity. I just wasn’t getting it. I didn’t know what I was doing.
I was behind. I was a mess of a reader – and I felt like a mess of a person.
It’s no wonder I was held back in third grade.
My lack of performance made me inadequate.
My inability to succeed made me a failure.
My incapability to please my parents made me feel out of control.
My perception that I had nothing to offer, made me feel like giving up.
My shortcoming made me feel I would always fall short in life.
Have you ever felt this way?
Have you ever felt less than, unsure and demotivated because you were afraid you weren’t good enough?
Sometimes, I feel like I return right back to that table; it’s as if the piles of flash cards stand before me. I see myself trying and trying, yet failing and failing. I see myself giving my all, only to feel like I know what the result will be – failure.
But, today, the voice of my eternal father is louder than feelings of the past; he speaks new words to a weary heart.
Words that change the game.
That mark me anew.
That free me from situations that come to cloud over me with insecurity and fear.
That save me from the rains that try to soak me with inadequacy.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10)
The truth is, that I am God’s unique work – the ultimate work of his hand. He has chiseled me just the way he wants me. Piece by piece he has cut little areas within me to make me more like him. Piece by piece he has shaped me into who he wants me to be. Yes, at times, it has hurt, but his small cuts have made all the difference – so that I may bear a greater resemblance to Him.
He has created me to be more than enough in Christ Jesus.
His grace is sufficient for me.
God worked and he loves what he has created.
He loves the beauty that is Him – in me.
God not only has given me good things to do in this world, but He has shaped them beforehand for me to do. If he has predestined these plans, it assures my heart that he can use even the most lacking child.
He created me and knows where I will go.
He sends my feet in the direction they should head as I trust them.
I can rest in the fact that I won’t “miss it” as long as I am trusting him “through it”.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (Prov. 16:9)
These are my roads, created for me to walk in. They are your roads, created for you to walk in.
With Jesus, we no longer need to walk in fear, because as he draws near and he wipes away every old tear.
It doesn’t matter what our past record is because God makes all records new. He clears the slate to put on our plate what holds eternal weight. That is our fate. Not flash cards, not old names, not old feelings – our fate is once-crucified Jesus Christ sitting in glory and us standing in heaven right there with him. That is our fate.
The works I am walking are pre-established, set forth for God’s glory and will be brought to completion on the day of Christ Jesus. There is no pressure to succeed or to be better, because these are his pre-prepared works.
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6)
Step-by-scary-step Jesus walks with us. He walks in front of us and behind us too. He is always with us.
In this, we can take risks.
We can step out when we feel fearful.
We can walk into rooms with flash cards and now cower.
We can live in the face of our inadequacies.
His roads lead to peace, joy and purpose. Insecurities fall to the sidelines. We can run confidently, knowing where our strength comes from because when you have God behind you, you don’t need baggage.
With Christ, there is an understanding that you are less than,
but there is also an understanding that through him
you are more than.
Be assured, friend, Jesus knows our way and in him we lack nothing.
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Beautiful Kelly! As I was reading your story about being a 3rd grader and your struggles, I started reflecting on my current class of 3rd graders that I am teaching. I have some that fit the same mold. I wish I could stop and pray out loud for them to remind them they are God’s masterpiece. Instead, I silently pray that God touches their hearts and strengthens them through their struggles. Ephesians 2:10 is so perfect and I have read all the versions of it because God loves each of us as we are and it soothes our souls. Have a blessed day!
Mary, you are such an amazing teacher. You are the teacher I only wish I had. I love your heart for the children. It is hard feeling less than, but I know you probably help those kids more than you know.
Kelly thank you for being so transparent. God has made your testimony a beautiful depiction of what He can do in a life that is yielded to HIM. Be blessed! Kia
Thank you sweet Kia. God is so good to me. He refreshes my soul in his truth. I hope you have a day where you delight in the goodness of your Lord.
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Hallelujah! We are more than conquerors through Him:) Blessings, Kelly!
Amen! Thank you Jesus for this. We praise you.
I have definitely felt this way too, Kelly! I can remember many times of feeling inadequate as a child, and those thoughts continue to haunt me today. Thank you for this beautiful and much needed reminder that “His roads lead to peace, joy and purpose. Insecurities fall to the sidelines.” This is so comforting and something I need to focus on daily.
Me too Candace. God loves us right through our insecurities so we can walk through life holding his hand. I am praying this over you and me right now.
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Your post brought my daughter to mind. She is dyslexic and STRUGGLED to learn to read. Now in high school, school work has become a struggle again as learning from printed text gains importance. I pray over her daily, so that she’ll know she’s God’s masterpiece. God has been speaking that Ephesians 2 verse to my heart in many different ways lately.
It sounds really hard for your daughter. She is on my heart right now. I hope and pray she doesn’t derive her worth from her progress, but from her Savior. It can be so hard. Thank you for sharing this with me Betsy. She is so loved.
Love this –> “He has chiseled me just the way he wants me. Piece by piece he has cut little areas within me to make me more like him. Piece by piece he has shaped me into who he wants me to be.” So true and a great reminder of the power in our God. Love His faithfulness to complete the work in us. Wonderful encouragement this morning, Kelly. #WriteOn #JesusGirl.
Kristi, I am delighted that these words have encouraged your soul. I am also delighted that the Lord is making masterpieces. I can’t even believe he delights over us as he does – but he does! Praise God!
Kelly,
Thank you for these words today — I so need them, friend! Knowing that my strength is in him no matter where the road leads is so encouraging. Happy to link up with you today too!
Oh, Valerie, I am SO delighted that these words encouraged you. He has you dear friend. He has created you for specific roads. He will not let your foot slip. Keep on walking by faith, even when it is hard to see!
Oh friend, the beauty of seeing ourselves as He sees us, what a heavenly sight. Additional, He gives us the ability to see others as He sees them. I thank Him today for giving me the mind of Christ which enables me to see and receive truth. Blessing to you today for seeing with the eyes of Christ.
Thank you Tyra. Let us walk only through his vision and see all that he has for us to see. Let us only look upon ourselves as he sees us.
Kelly, your transparency is so touching. This post resonated with me as it so went along with the post I shared this morning. It is so true that we will act out that which we are believing. Friend, may you know & believe you are more than enough through Him. You are a blessing!
Thank you so much Joanne. It is refreshing to be real and vulnerable. Thank you for making it a safe haven for that. I can’t wait to read your words.
Oh how this blesses me today! I just spoke to a group of youth last week on the topic, Just As I Am. And then I walked away hoping I was good enough to reach them. Hmmm…I am worthy. That is why He called me in the first place. Thank you for sharing this timely word of encouragement, Kelly!
You bet Yolanda! You are so worthy; he has called you and HE will equip you. Fear not sister. You are in his love.
“With CHRIST, there is an understanding that you are less than, but there is also an understanding that through HIM you are more than.” <— I love this so much! It's such a beautiful and powerful truth. Kelly, thank you for this incredible reminder that in HIM we are always enough. Wonderful post, my sweet friend! Thank you for sharing this! I love you and I'm praying HIS blessings over you always! 🙂
#RaRaLinkup 😉
You just bless me and then bless me again, and again and again. Wow Tai. I am blessed and honored through your words. Thank you for being you.
The rains that try to soak me with inadequacy…great imagery there! Because it does feel like you’re caught in a downpour, doesn’t it? BUT GOD…thanks for sharing, Kelly!
Yes, I get drenched and then Jesus is so faithful to towel me off with truth. Thank you Mary. I can’t wait to read your post!
Great post friend. I love how you transparently share and then rally up to His Truth and ability. Cheering for you as you walk the path He has set before you!
Thank you Katie! Praising God for you today.
So thankful that through Him I am more than … and so are you, my friend. : )
I love this post Kelly – it is a post that I will keep coming to time and again because I often feel inadequate about one thing or another, but you have shared some beautiful truth that I hope I can carry with me always. Thank you, friend! 🙂
Love this encouragement that less is in fact more in Jesus 🙂
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What a comfort that He walks with us and takes us through if we will let Him. We are enough because of what He has done for us.
Blessings,
This is inspirational. I love that verse a whole lot Ephesians 2:10. God Bless Kelly may he continue to refresh you in His presence.
Thanks for the linkup.
I love that verse from Philippians 1 — it encourages my spirit (and so have your words here.).
He’s not finished with us yet. 🙂
Blessings, Kelly
Thank you for sharing your story! In this world we oftentimes only see the good, the successful, and the confident sides of people…especially online. I can definitely relate to “not enough”.
“With Christ, there is an understanding that you are less than,
but there is also an understanding that through him
you are more than.”
AMEN!!
Thank you Meg. I find so much joy in just being free to my weaknesses in front of the Lord. He works in that place. I celebrate your comment to me today; it is so encouraging.
Great inspiration Kelly! It is so important for us to always remember that He made us just the way He wanted us! It’s too easy to compare and feel lacking.
Blessings friend, Jana
He did Jana! The imperfect are made perfect through Christ Jesus! Love that.
You could post this every week and remind our hearts every week. Why is it so easy to forget that God created me the way I am for His purpose? That is so huge! But I find myself slipping back into the mindset that I am failing.
Thank you for the reminder, Kelly. I will read it a few more times this week!! 🙂
Dana, I am praising God now that he spoke to you. What a gift it is to speak truth, love and life. Thank you for your comment. I pray that you find comfort in his ways.
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Kelly, i love this: “through him you are more than”. beautiful words as always!
Thank you Kim. You SO encourage me!
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Thank you for these inspiring truths, Kelly. I, too, grew up thinking I was never enough. I needed this reminder that in Christ I am enough. 🙂
It’s so hard to believe that you struggled in school, Kelly. Your writing is so unique and beautiful. You have a wonderful way with words! I’m so glad your struggle didn’t keep you from writing as you certainly have a gift. 🙂
Trudy, thank you so very much. I love how God can redeem anything. I once had a boss that used to tear up what I thought was good writing. I never knew I had this in me. I am so humbly blessed through his provision. Thank you for this comment dear one.
His grace is sufficient… do you know I had to go look that word up one day, because everyone used it and said it but I couldn’t tell you what it truly meant… now I know… tucked into the normal words like adequate and enough was this word, “necessary”. Wow, His grace is “necessary” for how to see ourselves as worthy and valuable!!!
I spend time each day now, thanking Him for His grace, which gives me worth and reminds me I’m cherished by the King.
I love, love, love visiting your site, Kelly! Thanks for being a blessing!
Wow, Christine, I simply loved this mini-teaching from you today. The idea that it is necessary is something else. Thank you for this.
Oh yes my friend! I love this! He makes all things new and in Him, we are always enough!
Me too! Praise God. Thank you Karrilee!
Kelly,
Yes, in Christ, we are more than…and I’m so glad you’re able to receive Christ’s truth about who you are instead of those lies from the past…Thank you for your story 🙂
Thank you Dolly. I am so blessed with the truth; it has set me free! Yippee!
The struggle has been so real lately to realize I am actually MORE than in His site and yet, I fall behind so often. And in His infinite grace and mercy He keeps gently reminding me that He loves me anyway…and in Him there is TRULY no condemnation. That’s a hard one to wrap my head around. But beautiful, all the same. <3
Thank you so much Meredith. It is hard to remember there is no condemnation. It can be so hard not to feel horrible. I understand. Thank you Jesus that you provide wave over wave of grace to us.
I have been created to do good works. I have been created to do good works. I need to remember that. You speak affirming words dear friend. Accept them as your own. You are doing amazing things for God’s kingdom. His approval is what we seek. Love you bunches!
Yes, created for good things, affirming things and powerful things. Time to rise up sister!
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