The All-Sufficient God
Written by Dr. Susan Chan
In a world of scarcity and limitation, where "not enough" often defines our experience, Scripture invites us to encounter El Shaddai-the All-Sufficient God. As 2 Corinthians 9:8 beautifully declares: "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." This verse reveals a God who doesn't merely meet our basic needs but provides abundantly beyond them, enabling us to overflow in generosity and good works. This devotional explores the profound truth of God's all-sufficiency and how we can rest in this reality amid life's challenges.
Understanding El Shaddai: The God of "More Than Enough"
One of the most powerful revelations in Scripture is found in God's self-disclosure to Abram in Genesis 17:1, where He introduces Himself as "El Shaddai." This divine name combines "El" meaning "God" with "Shaddai," which is translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient". The essence of this name conveys that God's power and provision are "more than enough" to meet any need we might face. Nothing is too difficult for Him to accomplish.
This name wasn't merely a theological concept but a lived reality for the patriarchs and the people of Israel throughout their journey with God. The name El Shaddai carries the promise that God Himself is sufficient. His presence, power, and provision are always enough, no matter what circumstances we face.
In 2 Corinthians 9:8, Paul emphasizes that God's sufficiency flows through us to others. The verse comes within a discussion about generous giving, revealing that godly giving is a Christlike act of grace rather than a burdensome obligation. God makes "all grace abound" so that we have "all sufficiency in all things" for the purpose of abounding "to every good work." The repetition of "all" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's provision; nothing is lacking when we rely on Him.
My Personal Experience of God’s All Sufficiency
I have witnessed firsthand how God is truly the All-Sufficient One, El Shaddai, who faithfully supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
1. Provision for Mission Trips While Working Full-Time
In the earlier seasons of my life, when I was still working and earning, I felt called to serve on mission trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Myanmar. Each time, I needed funding for air tickets and resources to bless the needy people in these countries, God always opened doors for me to secure additional training jobs, enabling me to raise enough money not only for my travel expenses but also to generously give to those in need. His provision was timely and abundant, reminding me that He is the source of all sufficiency.
2. God’s Faithfulness in Retirement
Now that I am retired and without a steady income, God continues to amaze me with His sufficiency. Despite having no regular salary, He still opens doors for me to travel overseas for ministry and to attend conferences. In 2023, He called me to go to Mongolia. Just last year, I travelled to Amsterdam, Netherlands for the Rise Conference and then to Geneva, Switzerland for ministry engagements. Honestly, I don’t know how the funds came together, but God supplied every need miraculously. This experience echoes Paul’s assurance in Philippians 4:19 that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
3. Fundraising for Myanmar Earthquake Relief 2025
After attending an online prayer meeting for Myanmar organized by Asian Evangelical Alliance, I felt deeply convicted to contribute to the earthquake relief fund. Although my personal donation was very small, I prayed for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to help me raise more money through my local church. With my pastor’s blessing, I launched a fundraising campaign with a target of RM 10,000.
For two weeks, the funds were slow to come in, but I continued praying earnestly, asking the Holy Spirit to move hearts toward generous giving. Then, one Sunday, I stood before the congregation to make an appeal. Remarkably, donations began pouring in over the following days, and we raised RM 13,185, surpassing the original goal. Through this, God powerfully demonstrated His promise in 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Philippians 4:19. Truly, He is El Shaddai, the Almighty, All-Sufficient God (Genesis 17:1).
These experiences have deepened my faith and trust in God’s sufficiency. No matter the season or circumstance, He remains my unfailing provider and strength. May this testimony encourage you to rely fully on the God who is always enough.
Conclusion
The truth of God's all-sufficiency offers profound comfort and challenge to believers. It comforts us with the assurance that our God is enough, more than enough for every need we face. It challenges us to trust Him more deeply, surrender more completely, and give more generously. In a world of insufficiency, may we discover the liberating truth captured in the name El Shaddai and the promise that in Him, we always have enough.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for being our All-Sufficient God, the One who faithfully provides all our needs according to Your riches in glory. Help us to trust You fully in every season of life, whether in abundance or in lack. Strengthen our faith to rely on Your grace daily, and empower us to abound in every good work for Your glory. May we always remember that in You, we have more than enough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
