Conquering Comparison Day Three
A 5- Day Study for Women Trapped by the Lie of Comparison
Have you ever felt like you just can’t measure up? The perfect Instagram pictures, the immaculate designer home, the elaborate vacations, the thriving career. Why does it seem so impossible to just keep up let alone thrive? Join me on this 5-day journey to break free from the trap of comparison, leave the social media highlight reels behind, and live the abundant life God has waiting for you.
Welcome to day three ladies. We have now covered how as women we struggle with comparison, so do not feel ashamed or alone in that struggle! We also talked about not only are we made in the image of God, but he made us individuals with different gifts and talents all created perfectly for His purpose.
So now what? What is your purpose? I know I unnecessarily struggled with that question for years. Sis, our purpose is simple and clear. Our purpose is to love God, love people, and share the gospel. We were created to be in an active and flourishing relationship with God. We were created to build on that relationship by studying His Word and communicating with Him daily. We were created to give Him thanks, praise, and glory for all He is and all He does. We were created to love others and show them love through our actions. We were created to share that great unconditional love and message of who Jesus is with others.
We all have the same purpose! Jesus tells the disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 what we know as The Great Commission, “Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (CSB). Ladies, our purpose is exactly that go, take action and tell everyone about Jesus. Share the good news of the Gospel and lead them to understand what it means to decide to accept God’s gift of salvation through faith. Then guide them to take the step to be baptized to show the world their life-changing decision. That is our purpose.
I know what you’re thinking, “Wait a minute if we all have the same purpose then why did we just talk about individuality in yesterday’s devotion?”. We are individuals with the same purpose however, we have different callings, gifts, and talents. This is where your individuality comes to shine! All those gifts and talents that you have are no coincidence. They are curated just for you and your calling. Let’s take a look at what scripture says:
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4: 10-11 (CSB)
“Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues, to another, interpretation of tongues. One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.” 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 (CSB)
We are all created with our individual gifts and callings that will fulfill our purpose if we are obedient to God’s Word and His call on our lives. Not sure what your spiritual gifts are? Spend time in prayer specifically asking God to reveal your calling and your gifts to you. Ask Him for guidance to know how to press into those gifts and how to be obedient to your calling. Spend time studying what the scriptures say about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. Then take the time to check out the resources and tools available with Lifeway. Take the Spiritual Gifts Survey.
Sis, find your gifts, talents, and calling so you can lean into exactly who God called you to be so you can stop comparing yourselves with others and what their gifts are.
Let’s Pray
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the gift of your Word. We are so thankful that we can turn to the Bible to read your truths about who we are and how we want to work in our lives. We praise you for our joint purpose and our individual callings. Guide us as we act on The Great Commission and show us how our calling can continue to spread your Word. Father as we discover our gifts, talents, and callings help us to discern that they are from you and not our own desires. Help us to understand how we can better serve you through that discovery, surrender, and obedience to you.
In Jesus’ Holy name, Amen.
Megan Wurzelbacher
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved