IS HE ENOUGH?

We are all, by nature, people of feelings. Nobody can honestly say they are not. Some may walk around acting like it, but each have something that gets to them, that makes them feel. We are also all, by nature, people of relation. We wish for it, hope for it, believe in it, and strive for it. But what happens when we are alone? What happens when we are uncertain about what is next? Many of us will undoubtedly hit a point where we do not know how to move past it. It is by our human nature that we will try to fix it on our own. It is in these times of doubt and potential sadness that we need people more than ever. If my experience has taught me anything, there are two “people” we should run to. The more immediate, in your face, answer is humans: family, friends, mentors, friends that are more like family, etc. These are the physical faces and arms that we can run to, talk to, and cry with. They can give us words of comfort and help to get us through the situation. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have my fair share of people that I go to when I need a voice to hear, a physical body to hug, but there is no better comfort than that of God.

That brings me to my second person to run to. I have had my fair share of students in my home youth group that I have encouraged them with the presence of God. I tell them this: “He is there, and He loves you. So, run to him, talk to Him, cry to Him, shoot, scream to Him if you have to. HE IS THERE! He is listening, and He wants to help.” Sometimes we feel this anger with God when we are hurt, and sometimes we have to get that out in some way. What I have found is that it is actually not real anger, but hurt, pain, sadness. But as humans, we are not supposed to show weakness… Right? That’s what we’ve been told at least. So, what do we do? We don’t show weakness. Instead we turn it to anger. But one truth remains: God is there and His listening. So, bring your hurt to Him. Run to the cross with every weight you have from this situation, every bit of sadness you hold, and every bit of hurt you feel, and leave it there. Walk away knowing that this pain you feel is not really who you are, it does not define you. You don’t have to live with it forever.

There have been times that I have needed a tremendous amount of comfort from God but was not sure how to get it. It is during these times that people come beside me to remind me of one simple thing: God is nearer than we realize. Indeed, He is. But what do we do when we feel God is not there? Many questions run through our mind, doubts galore. Recently I have found myself taking time to think back on these times, and I have now come to one conclusion: It is in these times of pain and uncertainty, when I felt all alone, that there was a subtle whisper. A small voice from none other than God Himself saying, “Do you believe that I am enough?” You see, we feel we have to do it alone, and God may let us for a while. But He is there when we cannot go on any further. This is when God asks us such a big question: do we believe if He is enough? Well, is He? But some may ask, “Why should I believe that God is enough? After all, He did leave me alone.” What if my answer to this was, “The absence of feeling good does not mean the absence of God.” Oh, believe me when I say in our times of need, He is closer than ever. There is a famous story called Footprints in The Sand by Margaret Powers. It depicts the idea of a man looking back at the footprints in the sand that represent moments in his life. There were two sets of prints, one his and the other God’s, in almost every moment of his life except for a few. These were some of the saddest moments of his life. He turns and says to God, “I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.” To that God said, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” God is not really gone, actually the exact opposite, He is the one carrying us when we don’t even realize it.

So, is God enough for you? Can you honestly say that in your hardest trial? It has taken much practice, but I have come to learn that in every circumstance, God is there, and He is indeed enough for me. I have had this affirmed to me through many scriptures that have come my way through many people. Jesus told His disciples before He left that he would not leave them comfortless. (John 14:18, KJV). David asks that God’s unfailing love be his comfort. (Psalm 119:79, NIV). I could go on and on with what God has given me through many friends and family, or even Himself, but I won’t. My point is simply this: God promises to never leave or forsake us, and He proves it to us over and over again. So, as for me? God has whispered this question recently and honestly, as hard as it is to answer it sometimes, I have found no doubt that He is indeed enough. God has carried me before, He carries me now, and He will forever carry me when I need it most. My lowest points will be made better with Him. He will carry me when I feel I cannot go further. He loves me like that.

“Your promise still stands

Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness

I'm still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You never failed me yet.”

“On the mountains, I will bow my life

To the one who set me there

In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there

When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own

When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!

You're God of the hills and valleys!

Hills and Valleys!

God of the hills and valleys

And I am not alone!”