What to Do When You Are Told You Are Not Enough by Whitney Ward

Have you ever been told you are not enough?

For whatever reason and no matter who you hear it from, being told you do not measure up is difficult to hear.

How do I know what it feels like to be told I am not enough? My whole life I have lived with a chronic Primary Immunodeficiency, (PI), called MAGIS Syndrome. Having a PI meant my immune system didn’t work properly. Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio became my home away from home.

There were so many things I would have loved to do and be involved in, but my lack of energy prevented it. The unpredictability that came with my disease caused me to be isolated, lonely, and unqualified. I often felt like people my age were experiencing normal life milestones and my life had just stopped.

I was just not enough.

So, what do you do when you are made to feel you are not enough?

First of all, remember who created you. John 1:3 says that we are all made by God.  In fact, there is not one thing that was not made by Him. When someone makes you feel “less than,” remind yourself God created you and allow your creator to use your story for His glory.

Secondly, when individuals question whether you can accomplish a goal you have set out to obtain, ask yourself this question: “Am I setting goals that fall in line with the passions and talents God has created within me or am I trying to accomplish a goal that is meant for someone else?” It is tough when someone questions our ability, but it may be God’s way of checking our true motives to get us back to what His purpose is for us. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 teaches Christians are a body and we all have a special part God has given us.

No one is the same; we are all unique. Someone else’s goal may seem more impactful than your talents, but remember God knows the exact reason He has given you the part He has and He has already ordained what lives you will touch and minister to because of the dream He has planted in your heart. You may not see the fruits immediately, but keep working for His Kingdom, because God knows the perfect time for your fruit to bloom.

Lastly, if your answer to the above question is yes, you are setting goals that fall in line with the talents God has created within you, then do not dare stop reaching for those dreams no matter what is said to you, or how you are made to feel. Some people may think you are inadequate, but God knows you are more than adequate. Psalm 37:4-5 tells us if we serve the Lord and trust in Him, not only will He give us the desires of our heart, but He will bring them to pass. Not everyone might approve or agree with the path you have chosen, but that is okay as long as you are working towards God’s perfect will and plan for your life.

Remember how I shared there were things I would have loved to do and be involved in, but could not because of my disease?

Guess what?

While I waited, I served the Lord and I trusted Him, He began healing me of my illness and all of those dreams and desires have come to pass. Not only did I graduate from high school, but I have a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. I have gone on six mission trips, and three of them have been overseas. I am a member at my local gym and I work out at least three times a week. I volunteer for a non-profit called the Immune Deficiency Foundation, helping others who have chronic illnesses. I am now a Sunday School teacher, work in Vacation Bible School, and youth camp at my home church. I have seen when God brings something to pass, He goes above and beyond, just as Ephesians 3:20 promises. It has put a drive in me not to just settle for “some” of God’s blessings and good gifts, but to go all out seeking and reaching for all He has to offer.

This is exactly what I encourage you to do as well. People are human, and they may say hurtful things, but remember Who created you. You are not an accident. Determine in your heart you are working towards the calling and mission God has given you. If you are, do not let anyone stop you from achieving EVERYTHING God has for you, because to Him you are not just enough, you are MORE THAN ENOUGH.

Whitney Ward graduated from Asbury University with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and a minor in Journalism. Whitney struggles with a rare lifelong disease. She has shared her journey at various venues, and resides in Rubyville, Ohio, attending Rubyville Community Church, teaching Sunday School to 1st and 2nd graders, and manages the church’s website.