Prayer to let go of comparison and follow God’s call
Author: Kelly Eichberger
Bible reading:
Peter looked at Jesus and asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If you want me to live until I return, what is that for you? You must follow me.” (John 21:21-22)
Listen or read below:
Sometimes comparisons seem to camp in my subconscious. It’s holding me back from what God is calling me to. Whispered, unspoken words…you won’t be as good as her, so it’s probably best not to do it at all. I’m sure someone else will do a better job, so you shouldn’t get involved. Your words don’t have much impact and should be kept to yourself. If your voice isn’t as peppy as hers, why join the worship team? Your home isn’t as suitable as theirs, so let someone else host it. You can experiment, you can experiment, you can expose yourself. But it’s probably not worth it. What she has, what he does, what they can do cannot be compared to what you seem to have. This is the script that scrolls through my head.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a comparison? Think about it. Perhaps you didn’t say these words out loud, but you felt them in your heart. Maybe you have family members who seem to get along better than you, or friends who honestly feel like they’re better friends than you. Or maybe, like the other half of the world, you use social media and frequently notice that other people have more, are faster and better, or are just doing what you want them to be. Their kids are wearing nicer clothes, their grown kids actually have things of their own, and their spouses look perfect, along with their homes, cars, and vacations. It seems that there are many more surprising things than what appears around you. And it can all make you feel a little inferior. It makes you wonder what you really have to offer, if God has a special purpose for you, and if you have what it takes to accomplish it.
But here I’m starting to wonder. Why do we always think and get obsessed with what others are doing? Why can’t we just believe once and for all that God really created us perfectly in His image? Because he was. Why can’t we simply believe in the truth that God created our personalities, circumstances, and circumstances? Because He has authority over everything. And why can’t we believe that God created each of us as very unique individuals with a very specific plan, mission, and mission that only we ourselves can fulfill? Because he certainly was.
I think sometimes we look for grand gestures and extreme examples. We look for big movements, moments, and seemingly pretty big impacts. We underestimate the simple ways we can touch someone’s life. We underestimate how God uses our simple, intentional gifts. We underestimate God. We think that just because we don’t have what she does or don’t do things as extensively as he does, our lives don’t make that much of a difference, even if it’s just a little bit different. But when we think about it, we are putting God in a box. A fairly small box. And God is not a small being.
When God created you, He created a truly magnificent masterpiece. each of us. With such intricate detail. A handcrafted heart, a perfectly crafted voice, and a unique imagination. The truth is, your own unique nature, gifts, and attributes may be the only qualities that can open that special person’s heart to Jesus. And be the light that certain people need. Something that probably no one else can reach. And that one person is just as important as all 99 other people that the person you are comparing yourself to might reach out to or help. Really.
Let’s learn not to look to the right or left of what we think others have – what God has given them and how He has given it to them – compared to the very intentional and purposeful ways in which God has given to each of us. He knew exactly what he was doing when he gave you everything he was doing. Before you were born, God knew all the missions He had for your life. He calls you first and foremost to follow Him and follow Him alone. And God has called you, and only you, to live your own unique calling instead of looking to the calling of others. With your own purposeful heart.
Let’s pray:
Lord God, I praise You for intentionally creating me with a very special and specific purpose. And you intentionally created me more special than any other children. I have my own complex and individual qualities and characteristics. And you have placed me in a purposeful environment to accomplish all of your purposes just for me.
Lord, help me not to look at what others have and what others are doing because I know You have specific plans for them as well. You love each of your children and have wonderful, unique plans for each of us. This means you have great plans just for me. And I praise you for how perfect you made me.
In Your Almighty Name we pray, Amen.
If you liked what you read, you might also like my latest book, Conquering Worries: Conquering What Shakes You and Soaring with Those Who Overcome. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it brings you blessings!
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Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/rparobe
Kelly Eichberger is a Kentucky girl who loves Jesus. She is married to her best friend Mike and they have five children. After years of writing for online audiences, Keri was ordained through Southeast Christian Church and dedicated her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes and is passionate about sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or on Instagram.
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