When I was six years old, I skipped off to school with a new box of crayons, a Swiss-polka-dotted dress, and fresh hope that I would be smart. But first grade only confirmed my greatest fear. I was “not enough.”
As soon as my first-grade teacher held up that initial spelling flashcard, I knew I was in trouble. We lined up our miniature wooden chairs in a row like a choo-choo train. The teacher raised a spelling flashcard for us to identify the word. If we missed the word when it was our turn, we had to go to the caboose. I spent most of the first grade in the caboose. I just couldn’t spell to save my life. For some reason, I especially had trouble with the word the.
I’ll help her, my teacher must have thought. She made me a name tag that read t-h-e, and I had to wear it for two weeks. Students came up to me and asked, “Why are you wearing that tag?” “Is your name ‘The’?” “You must be stupid.” “What’s wrong with you?”
Well, I learned how to spell the word the, but that’s not all I learned. I learned I wasn’t as smart as everybody else, and once again, not enough. And even though I ended up doing well in school, many times I’ve still felt like that little girl in the caboose of the spelling train.
Moses was a man who felt he wasn’t good enough. When God spoke to him through a burning bush and called him to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, he had a big case of the “not good enoughs.”
That’s when he had a one-sided argument with God. Moses told God he was the wrong man for the job. He wasn’t brave enough, strong enough, smart enough, eloquent enough, charismatic enough, or confident enough.
At one point, Moses said, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:13-15).
Moses was 80 years old when he had his argument with God at the burning bush. But even the weakest knees in the hands of the great I AM can become a mighty force.
I’ll go out on a limb and say that you too, at one time or another, will struggle with feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy just like Moses did. And the underlying statement feeding the sense of worthlessness is “I’m not __________ enough.” You can fill that blank in with any number of qualities.
But here’s what we need to remember: Whatever we feel we are not, God is. He is the God who fills in our gaps; He is I AM who fills in our blanks.
When we say: God says:
I’m not strong enough. I AM.
I’m not wise enough. I AM.
I’m not bold enough. I AM.
I’m not smart enough. I AM.
I’m not good enough. I AM.
I’m not _____ enough. I AM.
Once we let go of the lies that we are not enough and take hold of the truth that we are more than enough because of Jesus’s presence and power in us, then we will be set free from paralyzing insecurity and be on our way to experiencing courageous confidence to do everything He calls us to do.
Its time get out of the caboose and sit up front with the Chief Engineer.
You want to know something amazing? One of my greatest weakness as a child was spelling words. And now that is what God has called me to do today…write…with words.
I stand with Paul who embraced his weaknesses: “But he [God] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).
That’s what happens when we allow God to fill in our blanks. He turns what we perceive as our greatest weakness into our greatest strengths.
What is God calling you to do today? In what areas do you feel that you’re not enough? Oh friend, because of Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross, and His power in you, you are more than enough to do all that God calls you do to! Don’t forget it.
Heavenly Father, so many times I feel like I’m just not good enough, smart enough, wise enough… just not enough, period. Help me stop focusing on my self-perceived inadequacies and start focusing on Your all-sufficient supply. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What is God telling you about your true abilities through today’s devotion? Leave a comment and let’s share.
Digging Deeper
Studying the life of Moses was one of the things God used to help me step away from my mountain of insecurities to embrace the power and confidence to do all He had planned for me and placed in me. I want that for you too.
If you’re ready to leave those feelings of inferiority, insecurity and inadequacy behind and take hold of the power, purpose, and promises that God has for you, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For will help you get there!
Here’s another idea! Gather a group of friends and read this book together. It has a study guide in the back that is perfect for groups!
Have you heard about my Praying Moms Club and Praying Wives Club? Click on the link and check them out!
Comments 36
I Love your heart in all your messages. I relate to all your insecurities right down to …….not knowing how to spell, to writing a book. My mom questioned a synonym in the book. Little did she know I heard her voice thru all my writing. By God’s grace…. It was correct!
Amen &Amen
Very encouraging. Thanks for sharing
This word today is confirmation of what the Lord has been speaking to me lately. That I am not enough in and of myself. Thats the point. Only with the strength and power of God working in us can we do anything for him. I have resolved to the fact that there is a mountain of weakness in me and thats ok. Its not about me, its God’s power at work in me that will accomplish His will. I only have to stay connected to the vine and be a channel for his power and great love. One thing I have always struggled with is that I feel I am not pretty enough. I don’t know how to resolve that one in the same way as I understand other weaknesses but hey the Lord will help me.
Thank you Sharon for your on time teachings. Blessings.
Author
I think every woman has thought she wasn’t pretty enough at one time or another. You are fearfully
And wonderfully made. A masterpiece. Gods workmanship!
I have had your book “Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe” for many years. My husband died last May. I still use your book most days, but I substitute ‘family and friend’s for husband 😊
Author
I’m sorry. I know you miss him. Also, what a great way to use the book!
“Stop beating yourself up!”
I love you with an everlasting love!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13
I am a child of the King, he reminds me daily through scripture that I AM ENOUGH!
I stuggle with these feelings of insecurity and inadaquacies and not knowing what my purpose is now that kids are grown and I’m in my retirement years. I know God uses us at every age and has a purpose for my life at every stage. I just feel kind of stuck right now. Your message was one that I needed to hear. Thank you
I identify with your feelings as I am 86 year old widow of eight years. I have been serving the Lord in several areas at my church since coming to know the Lord as my Savior. However am slowing down and cannot do all that I’ve done in years past. But I can still pray for loved ones, the sick and those that need to know the Lord. Send cards and make phone calls to others that are lonely. (Like I am sometimes)
I’m still teaching Sunday School Kindergarten/First grade.
I go out to eat with other widows to lunch every Sunday after church. While there, we tell the server that we thank the Lord for our food; so is there something we can pray for you? We have had some wonderful responses and chances to witness for the Lord. We leave a nice tip and a gospel tract.
These things are kind of small but with the Lord; He will take it and use it according to HIS will and glory.
May the Lord encourage your heart and show you what He has for you.
“It is God that works in us for HIS good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.
I realized reading your story that I’ve always felt like the caboose girl. I can totally relate. I loved how you said get out of the caboose and go sit with the Chief Engineer, I thought about how the view would be so different from the front instead of the back. I will not see a train the same way now. I also thought from my point of view from being a car driver was I look forward to the caboose because that was the end of the train I have been a caboose my whole life, How did you change your thinking to sitting in front, how did Moses get from shaky knees to a bold leader?
Author
Get Take Hold. I promise it will help!
Olá Sharon, moro no Brasil. Seus textos têm me abençoado muito. Que graça Deus derramou sobre vocês para falar sobre questões que perturbam nossa alma. Obrigada!
Even the weakest knees in the hands of the great I AM can become a mighty force. I am taking that literally today! I am having so much pain and trouble walking, I have written that statement in my journal for this year! Thank you, Sharon!
I pray and ask for God to help me see myself the way He does, to love myself and others the way He does. I pray for transformation and the deeper my faith becomes, the more I feel the transformation happening. I am thankful for your uplifting emails, and positive guidance. Thank you. To all the women out there that feel they are not enough, God says YOU ARE HIS, which means you are enough!!!
This is a great message. I struggle with feeling like I am enough because of people around me treating me like I am “less than.” It’s such a struggle because I am supportive of others and priase their accomplishments, but I don’t always get the return. I have to speak at a church next month, I have my notes ready and this reading aligns with it perfectly. I thank you tremendously for all the knowledge you share.
Just this morning I was talking to my counselor about feeling like an imposter in my job, just going through the motions, trying to stay under the radar, and also about a thought that maybe I should work on another degree, but why? I had lame excuse after lame excuse…and, again, why should I pursue it? Obedience. Oof.
I don’t read your devotionals every single day, and it’s been a while since I popped in here. Today of all days? Oof. 😀 God is good, all the time.
It is so comforting to know that His power is made perfect in my weakness.!
Thank you for the encouragement Sharon!
Thanks for the encouragement. He is my strength
Thank you, Sharon, for this and all the other messages that help me.
I can relate to your feeling insecure about spelling because I endured that feeling because of my lack of ability in art. My pictures were always on the bottom of the room furtherest from the door. It took me many years to accept it was okay.
Now at age 87 and the caregiver for my 87-year old husband I sometimes have felt it and can only say, I couldn’t make it through even an hour without being able to call on I AM. It took me years to learn it’s better to call on I IAM first.
Remember IALAC ? I am loveable and capable.
Bless you and your work.
Thank you again and I would like to purchase your book.
Sharon, I know how you felt back then when you were six years old. I was seven & in the second grade. I couldn’t spell the word building. Instead of helping me she embarrassed me by asking the entire class, “Let’s all tell Karen how to spell the word building. I was so shy & broke down in tears. Years later as an adult I told this story to my Daddy. He asked why I didn’t tell him?” “I said I thought I would get in trouble. He very lovingly said, “I would have gone to the school & spoke to the teacher. My Daddy is with Jesus now but he was always my hero. God is our hero! Right now my 42 yr. old daughter has not spoken to me in 10 months because I shared just a little about Jesus with my 16 yr. old granddaughter. My heart hurts so much as she was raised in a Christian home & grew up loving Jesus. I don’t understand but I know God does. I need prayer & Kylene & her family need prayer! Thank you!
Author
I’m so sorry about your daughter. Unfortunately it is happening a lot.
I understand how you feel about your daughter, I have a son that doesn’t speak to me anymore, because of my faith. It’s been hard, definitely some days harder than others. I was afraid I would also alienate my sister when I gave one of my nieces a children’s Bible for Christmas. She accepted it and said thank you but I have no idea if they will read it to her, or just put it away. Sharon is right, when she said alienation of children from parents and grandparents based on faith, is happening a lot these days. I would love to say that will change, I hope it changes. Hang in there, I’m here if you need to reach out. I do understand!
This came just in time. I’m getting ready to start a women’s life group, that by the way it did not come from me. One of the leaders of the church says that I shouldn’t be part of a life group, but that I’m ready to lead one. I said yes, but I’m so scared because just like Moses, I’m telling the Lord that I’m not smart. I read something and the next day I forget. I did not go to college. I’m not eloquent and I’m not confident. What I do have is a history with the Lord. Been walking with Him since 1988, and do we have stories to tell. We’ve been through so much. And through it all God’s faithfulness never cease to amaze me. He’s been with me through thick and thin. I believe it’s time!! Please pray for me.
Thank you for the “I am enough” reassurance, There are so many times I tell myself I am not enough but today’s words were so inspiring. About to purchase that book digging deeper to help build my faith and fulfill the purpose God has created for me. Always a pleasure to read your daily devotions……..Lady Martin, The Bahamas!
I have problem with speaking and writing English language. but God as called me into writing of messages and preaching and teaching his word. your today write up title not good enough has encourage me that with God I can do what he had called me to do.
I am praying for God’s strength as I attend my granddaughter’s baptism this weekend. My ex husband will be there and we have been divorced coming up on 10 years this May. I have been working on forgiveness, but those old feelings get stirred up and I find it very hard to be kind to him and his new wife.
These devotionals have been a big part of my healing process. I started getting the Girlfriends in God devotionals in my email randomly about the same time my divorce was happening. They were so helpful and became a part of my daily quiet time!! Thank you for all your words of encouragement!!!🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for this devotional. It reminded me to TRUST Him for my future. I chose the Theme: Trust Him and yield to His leading as my “2026 Theme”.
And my verses are the ones that you quoted in this devotional.: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
My weaknesses can bring Him glory when I choose to look to Him for all of my “fears” about not being able to do whatever is mine to do going forward.
This is my challenge as I will soon transition from a lifelong career ministry as a missionary -to “what’s next”- as I look to Him for clarity and leading.
I certainly can identify with feeling “not good enough” and inadequate for my future. But God. He has always been there for me. And I am trusting Him for my future. He is faithful to His Word. And He is honored when we choose to TRUST HIM.
Love reading your messages that God gives to you to give to us♥️
What if you don’t get communication with God anymore ? I’m a widow who cared for my husband for many years until his passing in 2021. The thing he feared most was losing his mind which happened the last few months of his life. It was gut wrenching to see the man I’ve loved for 45 years go through such pain, transformation and suffering.. I’ve been angry with God for the past 3 years. Stopped going to church. This past year I’ve been trying to ask for forgiveness,… but feelings of guilt plague me as feeling I’m so unworthy.of God’s mercy & grace. I’ve lost communication with Him and can’t seem to feel His presence anymore .even though I know in my heart that He’s there.
Thanks so much for your encouraging messages from the heart. I enjoy them all! This was spot on for me.
Author
Sharon, that’s why I wrote A Sudden Glory. It addresses those exact feeling. The answer to your question is much too long for this space. If finances are a problem for ordering it, let me know.
Thank you for your writings that are real, relatable, and from the heart.
In the past I have said to my over-powering husband that “I am not strong enough to be with you.” But God says “I AM.” The year 2025 wreaked havoc on my life with illnesses, my son’s suicide, being fired from work, hailstorms, admission to mental health facility & more. Yet here I am January 23, 2026, learning about the goodness, grace and strength of our God. He has been with me through it all and I AM STRONGER BECAUSE OF IT & HIM!
Author
I’m so proud of you!
When stories align and shine Light, hearts can smile and say Thank You God.
Thanks for sharing your story Sharon.
Beautiful Christian people God placed on my path instilled peace, comfort, Hope and Love into a boy who could not write or concentrate in school. But God and His army changed this…..so I do all I can to pay it forward. Thank you again for your writing 💛
Thank you, Sharon, for your message, which reminds me of the love of our God. I still struggle with this feeling of not being enough, and this message has reassured me that no matter where or in what situation I find myself, God will always be enough for me. What a privilege be loved by God.