‘But He said to me, “My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!’ 2 Cor 12:9, AMPC

We envisioned the trip as relaxing getaway. I’d hoped to do some kayaking and gentle walking over rolling moorland on the north Devon coast (think Jamaica Inn type landscape). The weather was too breezy for safe sea kayaking, so on day two, Biggles (my lovely husband), said he’d found a great walk, about five miles across Exmoor. Perfection. He didn’t mention the stroll wasn’t across the moorland, but was instead, traversing a river valley, or that it would include the equivalent of sixty six flights of stairs in elevation.

Let me now explain that my chest is concave shaped and means I have lower lung capacity. Then throw in a side order of a sedentary lifestyle and an additional thirty pounds of menopause messing with my metabolism weight. Here is also where I contract my military husband who still fits his dress uniform from thirty five years ago and has blood oxygen levels to rival an Olympian. I’m not kidding on that last part. He divulged this fact after we got home. See, 25 years together and he can still surprise me.

A moment of weakness

As I climbed/trudged through the penultimate climb, the tears stung. I felt like such a loser for not being fitter or tougher. My poor performance meant the trek wasn’t even vaguely challenging for Handsome. Surely he’d be better off with a partner capable of much better. But as my head fell, I heard the whisper in my soul. You’re enough for me.

What a magical moment. I had no doubt of the voice’s owner. God was gently reminding me that we can never be enough for Him on our own, but WITH him, we are everything we need to be. My house may not be the cleanest, or my children for that matter. I may not be a bestseller or the greatest guitar player. My scones might be yummy but would never win the Bake Off. And Jesus doesn’t care. He loves me for me. My imperfection is just enough for him to make perfect.

So I wanted to share that with you today. Wherever you are at with your life, your walk with the Lord, career, relationships, finances, fitness… YOU ARE ENOUGH. Jesus would go to the cross for you. Just you. But even better, when we are weak, his strength and power are made perfect.

Walk tall friends. You are enough.