There is nothing that can snatch the smile from our lips and confidence in our soul quicker than comparison. Comparison steals your peace.
We look at other women and see that they are better at social networking, or their blog grew faster than ours, or they are a part of a particular group and we are not – and we want to belong.
I think there is something deep in all of us that says, if we are the best, if we stand out from the crowd, if we dress cute or say something intelligent, then we will be loved, accepted and wanted.
You and I both know that the absolute antithesis happens.
The harder we try to prove ourselves, the more awkward everything gets and the less people want to be around us! And, then begins the crazy cycle of trying harder, and failing and trying harder and failing!
Oh friend, (Blush), I could write all day about stupid things I’ve done in my life trying to make friends or fit in.
That is when we begin to panic, trying to think of ways to cover, correct and convert our crazy ways into something good!
If you will notice, all the crazy, awkward behavior begins with us and not with Christ.
When we live with Christ as the King of Glory, then he rules as our Prince of Peace. He is the one who is made for Glory in this world, not us.
Yet, when we are resting in His presence, He brings about divine friendships that we could not achieve even on our best day! He opens doors we could not have been pried open with a crowbar!
Gideon, in his darkest hours found Jehovah-Shalom, God of Peace. If recognition, and friends are vital to do great things for God, Gideon should have never made the list! (Judges 6) He was hiding from his enemy in a cellar, he looked at the situation instead of his God who delivers, He looked at his own life position and doubted he could do anything for God. Gideon determined in his own understanding, there were so many who were more qualified than himself.
If we are envious of the places God has called others, or afraid to step out and believe will equip us for the job, then we will never have the Prince of Peace ruling our lives. When we rest our hopes and dreams and heart with Christ, then He directs us into the place He has created us live in our gifts and talents.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(John 14:27)
Jehovah-Shalom…
How can we pray for you today?
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Daine, rather timely this post is. You’ve actually been on my heart to send a quick email to ask for prayers that I don’t allow comparing myself to others to steal my joy of co-leading the (in)couragers group this session. It’s still a battle for me . . . continually thinking someone else could do it better. I wonder why God asked me to do this when I don’t feel equipped but then remember He doesn’t call the equpped but equips those He calls. I need to trust in Him competely. Thank you for this encouragement. Much love. xoxo
Beth, You can ask for prayer anytime. You are more amazing than you realize. We hear, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the ones who say yes to His call.” You have a great gift to love. You don’t need all the answers, you simply need to love them and encourage them. I love you!