Do you ever wonder if your enough? I do. With so many demands placed on me how can I measure up to be the woman that I was created to be. With the fast pace lifestyle of a job, a family, and all the other stuff I want to do, how can I keep it all together?
My faults and weaknesses weigh on me especially when I am stretched to my limit. This is when uncertainty snakes its way in causing me to doubt my worth. “God, why did you create me this way? I’m not strong enough!” I might have those around me fooled, but my closet’s confidants know better.
I remember when I was attending nursing school I felt intimidated being around all those smart people. Sometimes I would wear glasses thinking it would help me feel and look smarter. Maybe it did work on the outside, but it certainly didn’t add anymore ‘smart’ brain cells in my head.
Proudly I would wear my backpack filled with books and whatever stuff that would help me reach the smart status. I even wore clothes that made me look like a smart person if there was such a thing. The simple fact was, I hated school. Not because it was school but because learning was hard for me. If I could have avoided it, I would have ditched school altogether. But I needed an education.
I remember asking God if he had made a mistake and if I was even good enough to be a nurse. But with God’s help I was able to graduate from college with a nursing degree and pass my state exam. I now practice as a licensed nurse, all because God had a plan for me.
Ugh. Just writing about college makes me anxious. No wonder I still have nightmares about school. When I think back on those days I always breath a prayer of thanks and hope I never have to go through that again.
Today, I still struggle with thoughts of doubt, not about school but other stuff like am I a good enough daughter that can make her parents proud. Can I be a mom who encourages her son to reach his fullest potential in what God has planned for him? Am I a good enough nurse to care for those who are sick and weak? Will I succeed as a writer who creates inspiring and funny stories?
It’s those stupid voices that sneak in my head telling me lies and trying to cause me to fail. Why do I even bother listening to them? There is no truth to them, right?
News flash, the ‘perfect status’ is out. This is a good thing because I’m not perfect and I suspect that I never will be. God didn’t intended for me to be flawless and he certainly doesn’t expect you to be this way either.
Did you know that God created each one of us unique and beautiful? There is no one like you. Can you imagine if there was another Gwen Hinkle? Lord have mercy, I don’t think this world could handle another me! Psalm 139:13-14 – For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
So why do we beat ourselves up trying to be someone who has it all together, smart, and successful? It’s exhausting. Isaiah 64:8 – But now, O Lord, you are the Father; we are the clay and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Am I strong enough to just be me? What if my life gets messy and out of control? Hey! I know where the source of strength is. Remember, God said he would take care of the rest.
The truth is when I am weak God gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
The truth is when I fear that I will fail God gives me courage. Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you.
The truth is my son will turn out to be the man that God has created him to be. Philippians 4:67 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
So, are you strong enough? YES, YOU ARE! Don’t let doubt or fear rob you of what God has in store for you. Just be you and do what God has created you for. That is all He asks of you. He will do the rest.
Remember this. We are strong women. We lead and guide. We nurture and cultivate. We celebrate our uniqueness and our talents that we have been blessed with.
God created you fearfully and wonderfully. No one can take that away from you!
Yes, you are strong!
Gwen
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