Because of Jesus I Am...Sample

In Christ, I Am Enough

Verse - “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (Colossians 1:28-29)

Think - As I read the Bible, I marvel at God’s constant pursuit of humankind throughout the generations, often despite our best efforts to find fulfillment elsewhere. With His love-fueled radical pursuit, He constantly invites us to a deeper level of authentic relationship, fulfillment, and purpose.

Yet, I find myself withdrawing when I feel insufficient, perhaps believing that I can figure it out on my own this time or that I need to find the right activity or person to fulfill my heart at that moment. When I pause to remember that my sufficiency is in Christ alone and that He already justified me before the Father, I begin to let my guard down and allow Him to renew my mind and further sanctify my heart.

Why do we try so hard to self-protect or be self-sufficient? I believe it’s because we forget who we are in Christ. Jesus did enough. Period. Because of Jesus Christ, we can be justified. However, He also wants to sanctify us and purify our hearts. This means we can expect challenges in life that provide opportunities to become more like Him. Just as Paul wrote to the Colossians, I, too, would like to invest my energy into fully maturing in Christ.

Apply - What challenges or insufficiencies are you experiencing today? In Christ, you are enough. Be authentic with Him about how you feel, and invite Him to reveal what He is trying to accomplish in your heart. Remember to thank Him for His ultimate sacrifice and pursuit of a deeper relationship. What a privilege!

Pray - Lord, I am enough in you. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice that justified me. Thank you for providing opportunities to mature and become more like you. Help me. I need your grace and love to draw near to you and allow you to purify my heart. I ask for a greater revelation of your love for me and others as I journey today. You are wonderful in all your ways! Amen.

Bio line - Dave Smucker serves as the Executive Director for Alliance Network. He loves to travel, explore on his motorcycle, spend time in nature, and be with his family in the Lancaster area.