I: Who am I?

I am performance-based. I like progress. I like being responsible if something goes well. I like the spotlight. My definition of success is based on perfection, or the lack of it.

Can’t: Why can’t I do enough, and why am I this way?

I was born into sin (Romans 3:23). I am flawed and nothing I do will be perfect. I’m weak. Which stems from my prideful, selfish, and arrogant ambitions. I’m unclean, like filthy rags, and a shriveled leaf, swept away by the winds of sin (Isaiah 64:6).

Do: What do I do when I’m feeling out of control?

I try harder! I shame myself when I mess up, as if that will make things better. I try to show Him the best parts of me so that I can look better to Him. When I struggle, I work on the areas that I need His help with before I show Him I can do it.

Enough: When will this change or be enough?

When I stop thinking about me! Enough about me! What a selfish, depressing way to live – always falling short of the mark, thinking what I do is going to save me.

John 19:30 says, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” And that was enough.

I say I can’t do enough…God says, “I Am enough.” That’s what I was missing! No, I am not enough — but I AM is enough.

I. AM. ENOUGH.

I Am: Who is God?

Alpha, Omega — the beginning and end. The Way, the Truth, the Life, Redeemer. He deserves the spotlight and glory, not me - He is the I AM!

Enough: What was enough for God?

Giving everything for us – His chosen people and special possession – so that we may declare His praises (1 Peter 2:9). And His grace is sufficient – it is enough – to make us perfect in our weaknesses because it’s those weaknesses that make us realize we aren’t enough without Him. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

It’s difficult in my role as a houseparent when I don’t see a lot of my definition of success happening. And like Moses in Exodus 3, I often ask God, “Who am I that I should go to Gateway Woods to help these hurting teenagers?” And He answers, “I will be with you…and I AM enough.”