Friday, June 17, 2011

Never Good Enough Syndrome

Here is what I observe. Most, if not all of the women I am in relationship with or minister to have hearts to please and honor God in all they do. They are not the type of Christian who shows up on Sunday morning for church and then lives like the world the rest of the week.


Nope, they are sold out for Christ. In fact, their lives are marked by an earnest and obvious pursuit to seek, obey, and honor Him in all they do.


Do you know what else I observe? They never feel like they do it good enough. They never measure up. They strive and work to do more, be better, pray harder. They desire to please God so much, but never really feel like they do please Him.


I can relate. “Hi, my name is Michelle. I am a recovering performance based, striving and never measuring up, crazy in love with a God I thought I could somehow please if I could just get it right, Christian.”


Here is the deal, though. I already am good enough. You see, I was chosen while I was dead in my sins to be a child of God! While I was completely NOT doing it right, he picked me to be His own. He made me holy and blameless in His sight. I am complete in Him. I am covered with the robe of righteousness.


Sounds good enough, don’t you think? When I read through the Word of God and see who God says I am – who I really am – aren’t I living in some serious unbelief when I live my life from such a place of striving? Isn’t performance, the never good enough syndrome, really unbelief? When I live from this place, aren’t I saying, “I don’t believe You, God?” (um, ouch!)


We need to recognize that this belief system is from the pit of hell. The accuser of the brethren desires to keep us chasing our tail always trying


SO.HARD.TO.GET.IT.RIGHT


but never able to arrive at that place of feeling ‘good enough’.


The fact that we fall down and sin everyday has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that, in Him, we already are good enough! He made us good enough.


I don’t care how many people the enemy used over the years to whisper – you are not worth it – you are not good enough. They were and are all lies.


You, my sister are worth it. You are indeed good enough! It is not me you need to believe, though, it is your Heavenly Father who loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you.


Repeat after me. “I am worthy because Christ made me worthy.” “I am Chosen. I am Holy. I am Loved.” “I am loved with and everlasting love.” “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” “ He made me on purpose knowing every mistake I’d make, and He still chose me and loves me because it is NOT based on what I do, but who I am in Christ!”


Need I go on? Winking smile If you struggle with this and just can’t seem to grasp this concept, please email me for prayer or to answer any questions you might have. I have certainly not mastered this, but I love sharing what I am learning.

12 comments:

Rebecca said...

Beautiful post, and a great reminder!

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

This is so, so good! We do struggle with that don't we? I think it is a lie from the enemy of our souls, who wants us to not rest in confidence of God's absolute love and care for us!

Deanna

Kati Potratz said...

My "power verse" this morning had to do with pleasing God:

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Coby said...

I can so relate to this. (heavy sigh).

We're on our vacation right now, and one of the things the Lord has been speaking to me during this trip is just to rest in Him and quiet my soul - to just be who I am in Him and let that be enough.

Corri Beth said...

Guilty. This is something I have such a hard time with. Thank you for the post. Prayers appreciated!

CaroBN said...

Wow! It's a very strong message, and exactly the one I need to read today! Thank's!!!

Jennifer said...

Michelle ~

It's me. Still struggling so much with this. This is the way the "not good enough syndrome" surfaced today: Today I was a grouchy, nagging, complaining, mother. I feel just terrible about it. I'd like not to feel like I'm a terrible mother, but the fact is that today I was. Many days I am. I desire to do it better, but I constantly fall into the same traps. The facts are the facts. Thanks for these post. I'm confident that one day somehow I will the message. :)

Michelle said...

Oh wow, have you read my blog, because this is EXACTLY how I've been feeling. Thank you for this post!
Michelle

Jessica said...

Oh how I needed this. I'm a mom of 5 beautiful girls 10 and under, and never feel I'm doing right by God in how I care for and raise them. I struggle daily to get it "right" only to fail miserably each time and question if having children really is what He has wanted for me. If this was my purpose, if my children were my ministry, wouldn't I be a better mother? Wouldn't we be able to provide for them better financially? Wouldn't things just be easier? So often I think I'm doing everything wrong. Thank you for this Michelle, and I do ask for prayer in this difficult phase in our life.

Natalie said...

Thank you for this, I love you.

-Nat

Bobbi Jo Nichols said...

You are so right on the nose with this one. Thank you for sharing this. There is a lot of work to be done on ME and I just have to be patient and continue on. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

cooperkelly4 said...

Apparently then, I am in some pretty good company! This has been very encouraging... lovelovelove the "repeat after me" gonna print that part our for sure!!!!