May I share something with you? I’m having one of those days months where no matter how hard I try, I don’t feel like I measure up.
We live in an age where I can compare myself to thousands of other women doing the same job I’m doing. I can read their blogs or spend time on Pinterest and catch glimpses of all the things they’re doing that I’m not. And never could.
I’ve never baked a flawlessly decorated cake for my son. I don’t sew or create magnificent scrapbook pages. The messiness of a sandbox gets the better of me sometimes and the thought of mud puddles or keeping any type of bug as a pet sends me into the fetal position.
The other night during my prayer time, I told Him as much. I shed my heart and mentioned all the things I am not good at that I feel I should be. Would you believe I thought I heard Him chuckle? He may have. I like to think I humor Him at times.
On days like this, I tend to go back through my journal and reflect on how far I’ve come. See what He’s brought me through and how I’ve grown because of it. And tonight, it was no accident when I stumbled on these verses:
In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well…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
Oh friends, how easily I forget about grace. We’re not designed to be proficient in every field, hobby, category or activity. God doesn’t expect me to parent or run my household the same as whomever I have put on the pedestal lately.
He simply wants me to use what He has given me well. For His glory.
And there are things I do well. God has given me gifts, talents, and attributes designed specifically for me — you can say the same.
I take my pen out and list them one by one. I scribe teaching, praying for others, encouraging, and more down in a linear fashion. So when it’s done, I have my own tool to see how I’m measuring up. For these are the gifts God’s given me. If I use them well, I know He will do the rest. His glory will prevail.
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. I Corinthians 15:58
How about you? How do you measure yourself? What gifts has God given you in His grace? I’d love to hear.
I need this today friend. Thank you 🙂
not really on measuring up to others but measuring up my life compare to others
…it is one of those days where I ask what I did wrong to have a “not so easy life…” but I know He got a plan
Oh He does have a plan for you, dear Charina. One He was forming long before the light of day touched your skin. Praying for you, friend, as you find comfort in knowing He has you in His hands…Hugs to you!
When we measure up, we don’t stand out in the crowd. I’m thankful that Jesus didn’t measure up either. And your beautiful just the way you are!
Such a great way of putting it, Shelly. Thank you for sharing here with me! I’m grateful for that, too!
I can really make myself nuts when I start thinking I should be able to do what others can do, and do it well. I’ve learned I have to just let it go.
But I’m with you on the sand. lol
Blessings,
Laura
That’s really the key, isn’t it, Laura. Letting go. It’s a hard lesson I’m learning lately, too. So much harder than it sounds!
thanks for sharing with me today!
All for Him with hugs to you,
Nikki
You are amazing and always speak right into my heart! God uses your beautiful ability to share His truth and change the world!
Oh, how did you know! This has been such an ongoing battle for me over the pasts few months. Thank you for speaking what He put on your heart! I live so often in my thoughts of comparison rather than in His loving thoughts of me.
This was so encouraging this evening, thank you my friend!
I’m not sure if I’m supposed to find comfort in not being alone in this or not, but I do find encouragement in knowing we are on this journey together, Kelli! Thank you for sharing your heart with me so I know how to pray for you. I get this comparison temptation well…trusting we can both find comfort in His grace today! Love to you, friend!
Nikki, thank you for this beautiful post. How encouraging your words are for me today. TODAY. Such beauty in the truth here. And I need to remember it, His beautiful Truth because how easy it is to slide down that slippery slope of comparison.
It seems I’m needing this reminder daily, Elizabeth. And you are right…His truth is beautiful, isn’t it. And when His truth lives within us…what a captivating thought.
So thankful you shared with me today. Thank you!
Oh Nikki, you have such a beautiful way of encouraging us and helping us to forget ourselves and look at what is really important. I find that I too have been thinking way too much about comparisons and just need to be thankful for His love and grace. Thank you for your prayers!
Joy
What an encourager you are, Joy! So blessed by you. Isn’t it just like Him to have even our weaknesses covered? Praying we embrace that, friend…
As women of faith, it is a constant battle to not get sucked into the ‘measurement’ of the world. Thanks for the reminder that God looks at the heart and regardless the outcome, http://goo.gl/72hbe
Thank you for sharing with me, Debra. I’m thrilled to meet you. So grateful to fight this battle with fellow women of faith. To God be the glory!
Nikki —
This is wonderful.
And oh my goodness, I just know that I would love you to pieces in person. Someday?
This is so amazing… and I desperately needed the reminder about how uniquely I have been created, for good works that He created in advance for ME to do…
*hugs*
Thank you!!
Dear Meredith,
Where do I sign up for someday? I’m in! I’m sure I’ve told you before I’m convinced we’re kindred…so grateful we don’t have to struggle through life alone! Thank you for being such an encouragement to me, friend!
Hugs right back atcha!
I saw this and just needed to thank you for these words. Tonight, just now, I needed to read them. Bless you my friend. Xxoo
Hugs to you my friend. Love when God meets us where we’re at and am always honored when He can find ways to use the words I manage to shed. Thank you. Much love to you as you seek Him today!