The Silliest Contest

The Silliest Contest

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.

Are you ever intimidated by other women? I am. My insecurities stem from comparing the very best attributes of another woman with my own hidden worst parts—which means that I will never, ever stack up in this silly contest.

Silent intimidation is an insidious beast. We walk through life silently intimidated by some and silently intimidating others, causing untold damage to our hearts. Satan loves to use our insecurities to twist and tangle us up inside until we are so focused on our own inadequacies that we become ineffectual and useless. We become so consumed with our weaknesses that we believe we can do nothing, and so believing, we do nothing. We are our own worst enemies when we stop ourselves from using our gifts and talents before we’ve even begun.

Do not consider the woman next to you who appears to be saving the world and compare her accomplishments to your one small thing. Do not discount your one small thing. Our God is the God of the small things. I love that God uses those of us the world would consider the underdog, when it comes to talent and influence, to accomplish his will. That way there is no doubt who gets the glory and credit: God (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-29). If we show up offering him our meager resources, he will use us, and oftentimes he multiplies our humble offering into something far beyond our own abilities.

Scripture is clear: focus on what God has called you to do, not on the gifts he’s given your spiritual sisters. Do not compare; do not discount the gifts God has given you. Stop allowing Satan to plant seeds of intimidation and comparison in your life, sowing discord into your relationships.

— Julie

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Seek forgiveness for the secret intimidation and comparisons you’ve been allowing to take up space in your mind and heart. Focus instead on what God has tasked you to do.