I’ve been feeling a little skittish lately…a little anxious and a little fearful – not like myself at all, but more like a hostess who’s afraid she’s going to run out of food.  Concerned there’s not enough, or that she’s not enough, or that she’s forgotten something important – like the meat.

Ironically, when I’m feeling off my game I usually need to listen most to what I’ve been teaching others.  So this morning when I woke up at 2:00 and again at 3:00 my mind turned to a passage that many of you know is very meaningful to me.  It is one I preached on in Zambia recently.

It’s the passage in 1 Kings 17 where God sends Elijah to the widow of Zarephath to ask her for a drink and a piece of bread.  The only problem is that she only has a handful of flour and a little oil. She’s preparing the last meal for herself and her son and then she figures they’ll die.

When Elijah makes his request she answers, “As surely as the Lord your God lives, I DON’T HAVE…”

Like the widow that’s usually our “go to”.  Think of a challenge you face today – relational, work-related, parenting, health-related – and where does your mind go?

I don’t have… enough money, talent, strength, education, influence, courage, patience…

The thing is, God didn’t ask the widow for what she didn’t have.  She didn’t have to worry about her not enough because He is always more than enough.

The widow just had to show up with her ordinary and God made it extraordinary.

I think this is so hard for us because we love to be the boss of us, and when we think we’re enough we have the illusion of control.  Our lack forces us to acknowledge our dependency on God.  To lean in and listen hard.  And who likes to admit need? Not me!

When the widow showed up and obeyed “There was food every day.”  I wonder if it got any easier as she saw God’s provision, or if there was lingering doubt on day 10 or 32?

Another reason our “not enough” is hard is because we have thick heads and short memories.   2 Cor. 12: 9 says “My grace is sufficient for you. My power is perfected in your weakness.” But no matter how many times I experience this it’s a challenging issue of trust.  God gives enough for the day, but we want to store up and see the flour and oil stockpiled for years before we relax.

Recently I read this quote that has resonated with me:

“Everything is necessary that He sends. Nothing can be necessary that He withholds.” John Newton

So, this morning I’m holding out my hands saying “This is what I have.  This is what I’m showing up with.  It may not be enough, but You are.  And you make me enough too. Help me to rest in the assurance of your sufficiency.”

What challenges do you face today where you’re tempted to focus on your “not enough”?