Comparison is a universal struggle it seems.
And in my own life, I must admit, when I compare myself to others, it steals my joy and kills my hope…
Of who I want to be.
Of what I long to do.
Of where I want to go.
And how I will ever possibly get there.
Over and over I trip and fall into the chasm of comparison, spiraling down its deep tunnels, wondering how I’ll ever get out again.
I look around at all the other blooming flowers in the garden and wish I was blooming too.
Because let’s face it, there are some amazing people in this world. People I respect and admire. People who are smart and tenacious, organized and efficient, talented and blessed, with accolades to their name.
When I compare myself to them I feel so alone, and this struggle is one I long to lay down … and one God’s calling us all to surrender.
What about you?
Do you compare yourself to others?
Do you reject your now thing, wishing for your next thing?
I’m over at Allume today, encouraging a group of people who use their social media presence to illuminate the world for Christ.
And I’m sharing with them about How Comparison Crushes our Hearts and Steals our Joy, sharing a bit about labor and delivery, and encouraging us all to surrender.
I’d so love for you to join me there…
May we be a people who give thanks for ALL God gives.
Do you struggle with comparison?
How does it affect your heart?
And if you want to know more about The Allume Conference,
you can read about the conference and the speakers here.
Lovely post …the bible says when we compare ourselves with others we are without understanding… God has been speaking to me over and over about His kingdom…His upside down kingdom…the first shall be last…the greatest is the least…and a cup of cold water has great value…we use the world’s standards to judge our self worth to God and to the world…and we must remind ourselves….of those who stood before Him asking ….when did I feed you…when did I clothe you….? These did not measure nor did God by the worldy scales of accomplishment…but God saw their great value…He knew them.
Jacque- what a great word. I can relate… as I catch myself comparing my blogging journey to yours! lol! I will never forget the insight the Lord gave me years ago when I was teaching from Isaiah 35. Verses 1-2 speak about a “crocus” and this one turns out to be an autumn variety which blooms later than its spring cousins. Growing under God’s anointing and within His calling on my life in my 40’s might seem late… but I am reminded that He’s made me an autumn crocus. I will burst into bloom in His appointed time, seeing the glory and splendor of the Lord in my midst! He keeps telling me that I am NOT on the same journey as the person I am comparing myself to, whether it be another homeschooler, writer, mom, or wife. Thanks for sharing!!
I’m so grateful God directed me via a facebook link to this article. I’ve been writing my story over the past year, fighting the voices of comparison that urge me to wish for “arrival.” This article is such a balm to my soul! Isn’t it strange to realize that all those we envy and admire struggle with the exact same issue? The lies of the enemy reach every level, yet so does the grace and peace of God!
Thank you too for writing your story of mercy. I am blessed, moved, challenged, and in awe of the goodness of God. We all need Him so desperately. Praying His richest blessings on your life and your BEAUTIFUL ministry of writing. I’d be tempted to compare it to my own writing, but thankfully I was just exhorted not to… 😉 Thanks for blessing me today!