For the Days You Feel Like Less

John 3.30

There are days I feel like less. Depending on the day, it might be less skilled, less useful, or less liked by others. And sometimes, I just feel like less. Just. Less.

It happens when I compare myself to others, leading to jealously, anger, and feeling like someone else is better than me.

Maybe you’ve been there too, feeling…

…like less of a mom when you watch other moms who seem to have it all together.

…less loved when you see other marriages.

…less valuable to God when you can’t do what He calls someone else to do.

…less talented when you read or view someone else’s work.

…less fortunate when you can’t participate in opportunities others can.

I’ve experienced all of these at one time or another. And some more often than others.

So, what do we do?

Turn to God’s word. Read it. Absorb it. And listen to Him speak through it.

Lest you think I have this mastered, I don’t. As I write, I’m delving in to His word and letting Him speak truth to me.

When I feel like God can’t use me, I remember what God told Moses…

The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12 NIV

When I feel unloved, God says…

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10 NLT

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NLT

When I feel less talented, skilled, and valuable, God’s word reminds me…

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.  If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:6-8 NLT

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

And when I feel like less, well, maybe that’s a good thing…..

“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30 NLT

11 Responses to For the Days You Feel Like Less
  1. Deb
    July 11, 2013 | 8:13 am

    Great post, Laura. Encouraging verses and a great reminder for everyday. Discouragement can creep in so quickly, but claiming His truth always provides hope and encouragement. May I be content to be less and less so He might become more and more. Blessings to you!!

    • Patricia Blomeley-Maddigan
      July 12, 2013 | 1:30 am

      “content to be less and less”

      Deb, that is a powerful add-on to Laura’s powerful post.

      Thank you

      Patricia

      • Laura Rath
        July 12, 2013 | 9:26 am

        Agreed!! “May I be content to be less and less…” Being content is an area where I need work. Anyone else with me on that?

        Paul talks of being content in Philippians 4:11-12, and then in vs. 13, he says,
        “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

        Yes! Where I am less, Christ is my strength. Where I am less, there is all the more room for Christ.

        Blessings,
        Laura

  2. Vicki
    July 11, 2013 | 1:07 pm

    I love this post. I think I will print it out and keep it in my Bible so I can go back to these scriptures.

    • Laura Rath
      July 12, 2013 | 9:26 am

      Thank you Vicki, you touched my heart today.

  3. Patricia Blomeley-Maddigan
    July 12, 2013 | 1:27 am

    And when I feel like less, well, maybe that’s a good thing…..

    “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30 NLT

    Wow, Laura! That is so insightful, and powerful, and something I don’t think would have ever occurred to me.

    Thank you!

    Patricia

    • Laura Rath
      July 12, 2013 | 9:27 am

      Thank you Patricia! God is so good in that He helps us to encourage each other.

      God bless,
      Laura

  4. Missy
    July 12, 2013 | 9:05 am

    This was powerful in my heart, Laura. Returning to God’s Word to be reminded of the beauty of my “less” is the only antidote that I’ve found that works. God’s glory and his “more” is magnified by my less. I try to remind myself of that when that feeling of being less swoops in. And it does. This was so encouraging!

    • Laura Rath
      July 12, 2013 | 9:30 am

      Thank you Missy, I’m blessed by your comment. Discouragement and feeling like less can really take me under when I’m not armed with the Word of God.

      In Christ,
      Laura

  5. Ginger Harrington
    July 14, 2013 | 2:26 pm

    Sweet encouragement for my soul today. Just finished teaching 80 teenagers John 15–life on the vine so this has been on my mind. The more deeply we abide, the more Christ can increase.

    • Laura Rath
      July 15, 2013 | 8:31 am

      Thank you Ginger, I’m so glad you stopped over and left a comment. God bless!