I used to think I had to have it all together before I came to Jesus. Fix my attitude. Quit that habit. I thought I had to clean myself up.

I just didn’t feel worthy enough. I didn’t know anything about Jesus, I’m a born sinner – what would He want me for? If I was going to come to Him, I’d have to be more consistent, holier, and stronger.

But, Jesus doesn’t ask for us to come when we’re ready. He just asks us to come. However we are, no matter the trauma we come from or the sin we’re stuck in. He wants all of us.

I’ve been obsessed with The Chosen recently and the scene where He finds Mary Magdalene struck a chord for me. Of course, I’ve read this in the Bible, but seeing it just hits different. She was possessed, tormented by her demons, and stuck in a life of shame and pain. She was broken in every way imaginable. Nobody could – or would – help her. Not religious leaders. Not herself. But Jesus speaks her name. “Mary.” She was changed at that moment. Not because she earned it or because she cleaned herself up, but because He saw her, called her, and loved her anyway. He didn’t say, “Come when you clean yourself up”, or “Come to me when you’re better.” He just said, “This isn’t for you.” And that’s what grace looks like. It’s Jesus stepping into our mess and calling us out of the darkness while we’re still in it.

The world tells us to work harder – to take those calls on your day off, answer those emails when you’re at the dinner table with your family – because if you just work harder, you will have it all. But Jesus tells us, “You don’t have to work harder for my love or grace. It’s already given to you – receive it.” He’s not waiting for you to get it together, He’s waiting for you to give it over.

While the world demands hustle, Jesus asks for surrender. You don’t have to drive that fancy car or buy that designer purse to show others you’re worthy. You were born with worth. It’s okay to slow down, give yourself grace, and say, “The King of Kings knows me by name. I’ve already made it.”

Some days I feel full of faith, and some days I feel like I’m barely holding it together. But that’s okay, because I’m learning to come as I am – and trust that Jesus is enough for who I am right now. And if that’s true for me, it’s true for you, too.

You are loved before you’re ready. You are seen before you’re steady. You are chosen even when you feel unqualified. You can come tired. Come unsure. Come crying in your car. Just come.

Jesus isn’t looking for people who have everything figured out. He is looking for hearts willing to say, “Here I am.” That’s enough.

It has always been enough.

“Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1