October 25
When You’re
Not Enough
"But he said to me, ‘My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.’ So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ’s power can rest on me."
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIrV)
Johnny had been on plenty of dates, but this one had been different.
The moment he saw her—her warm smile, the sparkle in her eyes—something clicked. Conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter came easily, and for the first time in a long time, Johnny thought, This could be something real.
But then, at the end of the night, she said it.
“It was nice to meet you, but I don’t think we should see each other again.”
Just like that. A polite rejection. No explanation. No second chance.
Johnny plastered on a smile, nodded, and wished her well. But as soon as he got home, the self-doubt crashed over him like a wave.
What went wrong?
Had he said something stupid? Was his joke about pineapple on pizza too much? Had he been too casual? Or too formal? He replayed the night over and over, analyzing every word, every laugh, every moment. He thought about texting her, asking for closure, but stopped himself. Don’t be desperate.
Days passed, but the thoughts didn’t. They swirled in his head, stealing his sleep, distracting him at work. His heart ached—not just because she wasn’t interested, but because once again, he felt like he wasn’t enough.
One evening, after another exhausting day of overthinking, he collapsed onto his couch, rubbed his face, and sighed.
“God,” he muttered, “what’s wrong with me?”
Silence.
Then, deep in his heart, a whisper: My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.
Johnny swallowed hard. He had spent days trying to be enough—smart enough, funny enough, attractive enough. But maybe… maybe he didn’t have to be. Maybe God’s love had nothing to do with his performance. Maybe he didn’t need to earn love—because he was already loved, completely, just as he was.
His shoulders loosened. The pressure lifted. The ache remained, but it wasn’t crushing anymore. He didn’t need to have all the answers. He didn’t need to be perfect. He only needed to rest in the truth that God’s grace was enough—even when he wasn’t.
Johnny exhaled. “Alright, God,” he said softly. “I’ll let this go. I’ll trust You.”
And for the first time in days, his mind was quiet.
Prayer:
Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that Your grace is enough.
I spend so much time trying to be worthy—trying to prove myself—but You already love me just as I am.
When I feel weak, when I feel rejected, help me remember that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Teach me to trust You more and rest in Your love.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
