The word “enough” is a debatable word. Everyone’s opinion of “enough” would be different. It would depend on the environment, the context, the people to be able to determine when enough is enough. 

How long does one keep going around and around? I like using the analogy of a hamster wheel. The hamster runs and runs yet, gets nowhere. I heard a story one time that a hamster kept running and running, he got so exhausted that his legs gave out, they got caught in the wheel and broke. This led to the hamster’s death. Yes, this is a grim example but there is truth in the fact that one can go around and around without changing one’s behavior but expecting different results… leading to consequences. 

“As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly” (Proverbs 26:11).

Why didn’t the hamster know when to stop? When enough was enough? Why do we humans tend to repeat actions expecting different results? The hamster absolutely did not mean to cause himself to die, it was an accident. In this world there are accidents, there are consequences. Yes, God forgives our sins but we must remember we live in a fallen world. 

“The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit. Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor” (Proverbs 14:8-9).

How many times can a heart be broken? How many times do we forget? When is enough, enough? How long does patience beat out common sense and boundaries? There are times in our lives that we are ready for the next chapter but we seem to keep rereading the same page. There are moments in our lives we just need a stretch of peace, a time to rebuild what was torn down. There comes a time when enough is enough and you need to face what stands in front of you, not the potential of what you see. During these times this is when listening to the Holy Spirit is crucial. 

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” John 16:13

No one can tell a person when enough is enough. Only you and the Holy Spirit can decide when enough is enough. Being sensitive to His leading and timing can save you pain, hurt, and disappointment. We all have situations in our lives that we would like to change. What is holding you back from trying something different? Something new? How about getting in your prayer closet and finding out what God has in store for you? 

In one of the darkest times of my life, I spent hours in my prayer closet. There came a time when I knew I was hitting my “enough” point. I prayed to the Lord and He gave me direction on what was next and told me to keep pursuing Him and everything would work out. Due to my prayer time during this period, I sit here with no regrets, knowing I trusted the Lord and leaned on Him to direct my path.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

When is enough, enough? That is a question only you and the Holy Spirit can answer. It is one of the reasons why being in a relationship with Him is so important. You can never judge or make decisions based on other peoples’ experience or advice. You have to know when enough is enough. Whether it’s relational or professional or spiritual, God will direct your path as long as you trust in Him with all your heart. Lean into Him, not your own understanding. And remember you are never alone.

Posted 10/1/2022