Overcoming the Lies of ‘Not Enough’

Insecurities are no fun, plain and simple, and unfortunately they can fester when least expected.

I’ve made progress in gaining confidence in a couple of “big to me” things over the past few years…

The two newest achievements:

1. I’ve graciously embraced my graying hair—determining it’s much easier to just go gray instead of maintain and apply color to my roots every three weeks to try and conceal grays. And I finally don’t mind how it looks.

2. I’ve reconciled with my height—the fact that I’m short and any hope of a growth spurt is decades past me. I’m now good with the idea that I won’t even make five foot with heels on because I’m clumsy, usually in a hurry, and quite frankly flats are much more comfortable! I’ve also learned to give grace to my oldest daughter who constantly rubs it in that she’s “reached” her goal and passed me up by a few inches!!

But after way too long of wearyingly tackling those self-made acceptance boosts, unsurprisingly Satan’s blind-sided maneuvers have discreetly slid in (almost like clockwork) with growing irritation in an unavoidable way.

I’m not sure how this came about but in more recent months I’ve now traded the above issues and instead began “picking” on my intellect. I’ve noticed that whether in a small group or large group setting, if the spot light is on me, I’ll give very brief descriptions or answers out of fear my words or stories don’t make sense otherwise.

This is a problem because it causes me to feel self-conscious. I begin feeding into lies like I’m not educated enough for this conversation. I don’t have enough knowledge to respond. My feedback isn’t going to be interesting enough…and as a result I shutdown.

Coming to grips with the idea of this new anxiety I realize I can’t allow it to continue.

I refuse to give Satan the satisfaction of messing with me.

I’ve had to dig to understand where this is rooting from and how to overcome…

I struggle with PTSD from my childhood and in those moments where I wrestle through flashbacks from those younger years it can be tough to not get stuck in the negative memory of it all. Because of my faith in Jesus I’m usually able to quickly identify when my mind is nearing a dark memory lane and I can cut to a happier path mentally.

In those instances I’m able to consider that my life is new because of Jesus. I’m not that old person anymore. I’m forgiven because of Him. None of the yuck from my childhood was what I asked for BUT God has been able to use it for His purpose. Those truths transition my focus toward a positive mindset.

When I think about getting over this new hurdle, this one where I’ve been beating myself up about feeling “not enough” I know that I can only overcome the lies through Jesus and what He says is true about me, similar to the way I handle those childhood flashbacks. I have to remember that God does the following things for me:

He loves me unconditionally. (Romans 8:37-39)

He equips me. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

He gives me wisdom. (James 1:5)

He defines me. (Psalm 139:14)

He has chosen me. (1 Peter 2:9)

These things are not up to me to come up with on my own, they’ve been offered by a loving and compassionate God—all things from and of Him.

Image from YouVersion Bible app

The same way that I can move and think past any negative I experienced as a child, will be and is the same way I can escape from Satan’s deceptive practices…focusing on the truths (not the lies) ushers in a positive mindset.

Maybe you can or have been able to relate to what I’ve been experiencing. Honesty and sharing our struggles with others speaks volumes of healing. I pray you would join me in fighting against the lies of “not enough” and embrace the steadfast truths felt in God’s amazing love and throughout His unfaltering word.

Side note: Here’s how awesome God works…in the heat of really discovering I was battling these new “not enough” lies, God provided. I had only shared with my very-supportive husband my struggle, so no one else knew. In that time, I showed up to a women’s event (a hidden mess inside) and was sitting at the same table as a sweet friend of mine who handed me a gift bag, inside was this t-shirt with much needed words of encouragement!!

Isn’t it awesome how God works? He used my friend’s love to speak exactly to my situation…only He can perfectly put things together in this way…only Him!!

There’s no reason to ever give up because God out-does the hardship every single time…if not now then Heaven-side.

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

35 thoughts on “Overcoming the Lies of ‘Not Enough’”

  1. What perfect timing God has! The t-shirt story gave me goosebumps!
    Since I started homeschooling I’ve had that “I’m not capable enough to do this” feeling inside. But my daughter always surprises me by repeating something she’s learned. Even if it’s months later it still makes me feel like maybe I do have this after all. 🙂
    And I hear you on the heels! No stinking way can I walk in those things! Flats are much cheaper than a broken neck. 😂

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    1. Flats are cheaper than a broken neck!!! 😂I laughed outloud!!

      It helps when we hear, see, or read that we are valued …and then it’s even better when we pass that encouragement on!! Thanks for reading and sharing your homeschooling story!❤️

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  2. I can definitely relate to much of what you said. I have many insecurities as well, and speaking up is among them. When I am in meetings I rarely speak up because I just know I will say something dumb. I don’t know that I can ever overcome this. Sometimes I try, sometimes I feel it’s better to just stay quiet. And I have recently been given a few projects at work that I felt inadequate to handle. Regarding that though, I have finally been able to get it through my head that yes I might not know enough, but God does and He will help me. The enemy is very good at feeding us mountains of lies to make us feel bad about ourselves. One of the books on my TBR list is “Defined” by the Kendrick Brothers. I think that will be a helpful resource. I love the tshirt your friend gave you and how God showed up right on time with that. I am also so happy to hear how God has been helping you with truth. I love the list of affirmations and Bible verses you shared. I am going to write those down. Thanks for sharing. This post has encouraged me to take a stand against the enemy! Blessings to you! 🌸💕🌺

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    1. ❤️Yes see and when we open up and know we’re not alone it’s so comforting…not that I wish anyone this struggle but it helps in knowing others can relate.
      I really don’t know if I’ll overcome either because this is something I’m still dealing with, but if I can stay connected to God’s truths it’s gotta be worth it!!!! I bet that ‘Defined’ book is a good one considering the author source, thanks for sharing that. Blessings to you, after reading your comment I’m encouraged to pray earnestly for others who are struggling in this area along with myself!!! God is bigger than these lies!

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      1. Yes, it does bring comfort to know when others can relate and know we are not alone. You are so right – staying connected to God’s truth is always worth it. I love what you said about praying for others. I will do the same. What you said reminds me of 2 Corinthians 1:4, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” And I love your last point. “God is bigger than these lies!” Amen! ✝️🙏❤️

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  3. Little sister as I read I thought of the saying-dynamite comes in small packages. Jesus has blessed you with creativity and the ability to connect with people. I am proud to know you as my little sister in Jesus and my friend. There are no 2nd class citizens in heaven which is our true citizenship. You should never feel lass than anyone little sister. God loves you and calls you daughter.

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  4. Alicia, I can relate. We are limited, unlike God, and that’s a good thing! This is the message of the book my women’s home group is studying, “None Like Him,” by Jen Wilkin. We get into trouble when we expect ourselves (and others) to be all, have all, and do all. Accepting – EMBRACING – our limitations points us to the One who is unlimited -and that’s a good thing!
    I have been accepting/embracing my limited knowledge of the things people are fighting over these days, and knowing that “I don’t know enough to have an opinion” has kept me out of battles that no one is going to win. In the present day controversies, I recognize that there are people on both sides way smarter than I am, and so I don’t need to come into the fray. Better to focus on Jesus, Friend of sinners and incomplete people, and share the joy of resting in Him. THAT is the hill I’m willing to die on. 😉

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    1. Great comment Annie!!! This is really powerful and wise thinking! So helpful!!
      I love what you said ‘Accepting – EMBRACING – our limitations points us to the One who is unlimited -and that’s a good thing!’ ….this is so true because it keeps us from becoming prideful and resting in Jesus’ power is glorifying to Him!! Thank you for sharing these thoughts and encouragement!!!❤️❤️❤️

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  6. Your post is powerful. It reminds me of the title of the book written by Joyce Meyer, “Battle Field Of The Mind, October 01, 2002.” Thank you? very for sharing.??? ________________________________

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  7. Alicia, Thank you for sharing your story about overcoming Satan’s lies. I think most of us have experienced the “not enough” lie. I personally have battled it regularly but it’s important each time to always go back to God’s truth and what He says about us. Certain verses can really help us to reject this lie over our lives. And that t-shirt is just perfect! What a sweet friend you have that gave it to you. ❤️

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  8. This is perfect for me right now, Alicia. I’ve been feeling lately like I’m “showing my age” in the sense of not having much to offer and of being out-of-touch and dull. Thank you for such an awesome reminder that in God’s eyes I am none of those things. I hadn’t given enough thought to the fact that those whispers in my ear are from Satan, the great discourager. Thank you so much for pulling me back to where I need to be in my thoughts and focus.

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    1. Praise God!! Thank you for sharing..since writing this post I’ve been intentionally praying over these “not enough” struggles I deal with and for others experiencing the same and I know God will see us through!!!!

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  9. I Love it when the words “For His Purpose” appear on your blog. 😊 There’s nothing wrong with being Petite. Good things can come is small power packed packages. 😃 And going gray is all the rage. Well, at least for the two of us. Monthy maintenance is a pain. There’s freedom in accepting your true beauty in the Lord. ❤

    Love and blessings. ❤❤❤

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  12. Wow–our God is SO GOOD! I can only imagine how your heart must have flip-flopped, Alicia, when you pulled that T-shirt from the gift bag. Such an awesome affirmation from your Heavenly Father through your friend. Hang that T where you’ll see it every time you open the closet door; even read it out loud! : )

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  13. Thank you for sharing. I too battle with these lies of not being good enough. Recently God chllenged me on one of these lies. For yers i have told myself that I am not a “creative” person. I’m not good with crafts and drawing etc. The Holy Spirit stopped me dead in my tracks and I found out that this has been a lie all along. I felt sad in that moment. Perhaps satan was trying to stop me from being creative in a way that glorifies God. If we believe the lie then we don’t do what God wants us to do but thank God he is always in control!🙏🏾

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    1. Thank you for sharing what the Holy Spirit revealed to you..so beautiful! You sharing this reminds me how important it is that we just pause from everything and allow the Holy Spirit to speak as we silently listen…I’m sure if I’d do this more often I’d be surprisingly blessed in ways I’d never dreamt of!!
      I pray you never give up drawing and crafting and that as a result of the Holy Spirit speaking to your situation you create to your heart’s content!!
      Thanks so much for your encouragement!❤️

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  14. This is so beautifully written. 😭 You are not alone in the struggle of feeling this way. The enemy knows you have a beautiful gift of glorifying God with your words and inspiring others. A gift that God is using. Keep up the beautiful, inspiring work! Thank you!

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