For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? (Psalm 89:6, NKJV)
I had to wage the war between my brain and Satan. As this verse clearly states, noone or nothing can be compared to the Lord. In the same way, we can't compare ourselves to others. I was comparing myself to another writer by saying that she was better than I. She has more experience than I do. While that's true that she does have more experience, through a dear friend I was reminded that God is using me in ways that I don't even realize. Ladies, are you comparing yourself to someone today? Let me encourage you, don't listen to the enemy's lies!!
Lord, thank You for friends that point us to the truth. Thank You Lord that we don't have to compare ourselves to anyone else. You give us the talent, let us use it the way You desire. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I just love your devotionals! They are such a bright spot in my day.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but giggle at God's timing! I just finished reading today's devotion from One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. One line in the devotion made me stop in my tracks. My question to the Lord? "Why can't I write like this??" I smiled and carried on...and then read this post.
ReplyDeleteOK, Lord. I heard You! No comparisons allowed. :) Thanks for the timely reminder Jamie!!
Good reminder Jamie. I often fall into that trap of comparing myself to others. It's a continual battle and I don't think I'm alone in that.
ReplyDeleteComparing myself to others is a constant battle for me. I appreciate your reminder that I am useful to God, even though I can't imagine how or why...
ReplyDeleteI agree Jamie, The comparison trap is a dangerous place to be.
ReplyDeleteDon't underestimate God's work through your life dear. You are serving His Kingdom! But, I too have experienced the subtle lies of satan trying to worm his way in.
We all need to be on guard,
Love, Hester ;)
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ReplyDeleteWell said dear Jamie. I'm reminded of something Vonda Skelton said at the beginning of the speakers retreat I attented almost two years ago.
ReplyDelete"God wants to build our confidence in the fact that we are not cookie-cutter Christians." So glad for the gift He has given you and it's great to see you continuing to encourage others. Please pray for me this week. The ladies retreat is coming up this Saturday. Please pray for Holy Spirit anointing, and empowerment to speak what He wants and that He alone will be glorifed and the women built up and encouraged in Him.
Hugs!
Been there... Only by God's grace I'm out of that... for now. Even though in a sense I've always known I'm pretty well-gifted, I've always felt a complete idiot when it came to wisdom on how to use my gifts. I've always marvelled at people who seemed to move in such confidence, to walk naturally in whatever the Lord has given them. I'm pretty insecure, even though I have no reason to be.
ReplyDeleteAnd we value ourselves in terms of the affirmation we get from others. But what about the times when our best friends are just not there to encourage us, or are facing trials of their own, or are distracted? Where do we go for that badly needed comforting Word?
Of course... Ultimately our sense of self-worth must depend on what Jesus thinks of us.
Perhaps a better comparison would be to think of our past self and present self. How much have we grown? In what areas? What are definite weaknesses and strengths? Where could we grow the most? What Christian virtues is God challenging us to develop?
Gifts in and of themselves mean nothing. People in the world can sing, write, act superbly. That doesn't really make an impact eternally speaking. Unless Jesus is at the center and He gets the glory, it will ultimately be forgotten. That thought should make us sober and vigilant.
Yes, everyone has different strengths, different experiences. But the interesting thing is, as we're comparing ourselves to others and feeling that we don't measure up, others could--at that very moment--be comparing themselves to us, and feeling that they don't measure up to us.
ReplyDeletePraise God, we're not in competition for God's attention and love! He has called each of us, at different times and with different skill sets, to be exactly what He has for us to be. Nothing more, nothing less.