Welcome friends! I have some awesome giveaways for you, and a beautiful FREE printable bookmark packed with God’s truths about you! Keep reading to find out more…
Do you ever compare yourself to other women and feel like you don’t measure up?
Maybe you feel think you’re not as smart, pretty, fun, organized or as good at _______ as they are.
I’m sharing my heart over at P31 today about how easy it is to think that if we had more or knew more, we’d be secure. But the truth is, even people who have it all still struggle with feelings of insecurity. The Bible opens with teh story of a woman who had everything but it still wasn’t enough (Genesis 2).
Even though God established Eve’s worth as His child; the crown of His creation and lavished her with gifts of intimacy, beauty, security, significance, and purpose – it wasn’t enough. Satan convinced Eve to take her eyes off what she did have and focus on what she didn’t have.
Have you also heard Satan’s whispers, saying you’re not all you could be — or should be?
Just like Eve, you and I have an enemy. The Bible calls him the father of lies, and tell us there is no truth in him (John 8:44). Interestingly, the meaning of the word lie is “a falsehood with the intent to deceive.”
Satan doesn’t just lie. He has intends to deceive us by getting us to take our eyes off of who we are and what we have in Christ. It’s exactly what he did with Eve:
“Then the eyes of both [Adam and Eve] were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’
He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’” (Gen. 3:7–11)
In response, God asks who told them they were naked. In other words, “Who told you that something is wrong with you?” By asking this, God made sure they knew someone was casting shame on them—and it wasn’t Him.
The enemy whispered lies into their hearts, causing them to move away from Him and from each other.
Satan’s intent for us is exactly the same as it was for Eve. He wants us to believe his deceptions and fall into the distraction of feeling inadequate, insecure and like we’ll never measure up. But we don’t have to go along with him. Instead we can pray, “Lord, help me recognize Satan’s lies, refuse his temptations and rely on Your truth about me instead.”
If we have put our trust in Jesus as our Savior, we can stand on the promises of who we are in Him. And when we are tempted to measure up, we can choose to focus “up” instead as we rely on these truths to remind our hearts of who you are in Christ.
I am accepted . . .
- I am God’s child. John 1:12
- I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
- I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. Ephesians 1:3–8
- I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:14–16
I am secure . . .
- I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. Romans 8:28
- I am free from condemnation. I cannot be separated from God’s love. Romans 8:31–39
- I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God. 2 Corinthians 1:21–22
- I am hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1–4
- I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me. Philippians 1:6
- I have been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
I am significant . . .
- I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. John 15:16
- I am a minister of reconciliation for God. 2 Corinthians 5:17–21
- I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 2:6
- I am God’s workmanship. Ephesians 2:10
- I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12
- I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
___________
For MORE ENCOURAGEMENT
- Want to receive a weekly gift of powerful prayers and God’s promises from my inbox to yours? Enter your email in this box below and you’ll be added to my “Promise & A Prayer” list. {PS. I promise not to share your information with anyone else.}
- Click here to download and print these beautiful Who I am In Christ verses.
ENTER TO WIN the “Contagious Confidence” Give-Away!
One winner will receive a copy of my book A Confident Heart and a beautiful 8×10 “All Things Through Christ” canvas!
Plus 3 more winners will be chosen to receive either a set of Confident Heart postcards, a set of 32 Confident Heart scripture cards OR my new 100-day Confident Heart HeartLifter, created by my friends at DaySpring and inCourage!
ENTER TO WIN by clicking “share your thoughts” below this post and simply share the truth from today’s post/devotion that spoke to your heart most OR which “Who I am in Christ…” promise you’re holding onto today! Your comment will place your name into the drawing to win!
PS. Wanna help make today’s encouragement contagious?
Just click the share buttons below. It’s super easy!
Thanks Renee. This morning was journaling which is really a conversation with God. On this exact topic. I get frustrated with myself for allowing others (satan) to distract me to thoughts that I am not good enough in school at 55, in a startup business, as a friend..on and on. Listening to what the world tells me instead of God. So I am choosing today the promise “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Phil 4:13.
Renee, Your words ring so true in my life. Your gentle reminder of God’s love is beautifully worded. May you continue to be reminded of that love too in your life! Thanks for your ministry.
Comparison really does steal my joy and ruin the blessings I have from God. I am always comparing how I look and always noting how it’s never quite good enough. I appreciate the reminder that my status as a child of God and that I am loved beyond measure. Thanks for the reality check! More of Him and less of me!!!
Thank you so much for reminding me of Gods truth on this matter. It’s been something I’ve been struggling with as of late. I know I shouldn’t feel that way and I will be studying those verses over and over! Thank you for the words of encouragement!
I believed lies about who I was & what I should be for many years – most of my life…not until I gave up comparing myself to others & began seeking God’s TRUTH for my life did I find PEACE…such a difference in how I see myself now – how I view the world & my purpose on earth! I pray for all the young women reading your words today – I ask God’ blessings over your hearts & minds so that His truth becomes clear to you.
?
I “stumbled” upon this post this morning through the Proverbs 31 devotional. I needed this message today. Thank you for listening to God’s voice and letting Him use you as His vessel.
Just last night, as I cried to a dear friend about all of my insecurities, I admitted to not feeling as if I am ‘enough’ in any aspect of my life. I am a Christian, wife, mother of 3, teacher, friend and family member…feeling as though I am failing at each and ever task in my life. The internal struggle that I have with myself moment by moment each day is so real and strong. Thank you for bringing me back to reality and reminding me that while each person struggles, what we need most in our life is God.
Amen!
I’ve had such a heavy heart lately and this post is EXACTLY what I needed to confidently place my trust in the Lord and live like I’m His. Thank you for letting the Lord use you!
I really need to read this book. Courage and confidence is what I believe God is wanting to build in me right now.
I don’t know why it seems to be more appealing to hear and accept Satan’s lies about than to believes and receive God’s precious words of who I am to Him and all His promises He has given me. I believe…..Lord, help my unbelief!
A mentor and I had a discussion once about my future career aspirations. After I expressed all these and mentioned how so and so had such an awesome and ideal career, he simply replied with a shrug and the words – “the grass is always greener on the other side”. He said it so confidently that those simple words have stayed with me all these years. The second I veer off from where I know God has established me and I begin to doubt my worth and feel insecure about my current career status, I simply utter that sentence, and it reminds me to put my focus on God once more and not on what I don’t have or have not yet achieved. I don’t want to miss the blessings God has for me and those around me in this season in my life.
Thank you for sharing this insight on the story of Eve and how women still get lured the same way she did that very first time in the garden. So many of us read it and think, “Wow, how could she mess up her perfect world? What more did she want?” We forget that the enemy is very cunning in planting doubt, discontent, and discord. It is such a sobering reminder that we must stand guard and constantly have the word of God in our hearts!!!
I am holding on to the promises on 1 Cor. 6:19-20 – I have been bought with a price and I belong to God!
I’m holding on to the fact that I’m not done yet, because He will be faithful to complete the good work in me that He began. I’m not finished; it is OK that He is still refining me!
Thanks for such wonderful reminders!!
“I am God’s child.” John 1:12
I am struggling with exactly this issue currently, and this devotion could not have come at a better time. My (Christian) counselor/therapist just yesterday gave me homework to complete before our next session: to make a list of “untruths” about myself that I had convinced myself were my weaknesses/failures/shortcomings. (We are dealing with my desire to want to be a better Christian servant to others and a better minister’s wife.) Then I am to list the TRUTHS corresponding to each lie. Then I am to find scripture to back up the truths. So first and foremost, it is incredible to be reminded that I am the child of God (John 1:12) and that, in spite of His amazing omnipotence and how He created the WORLD, He still knows every hair on my head and aches with me when I a in pain. If He created something (me) exactly the way He wants it, and He loves what he created, then how can I put that (me) down or doubt it (me)?
Your words couldn’t have been more timely, Renee. Thank you!
I am hidden with Christ in God….
Greetings: Thank you so much for sharing these truths today. I am most impressed with this statement: “And when we are tempted to measure up, we can choose to focus “up” instead as we rely on these truths to remind our hearts of who you are in Christ.” “FOCUS UP.” I want to do that always. God has been dealing with me lately about trying to do too much for people, and ” the comparison game.” I don’t think I do that as much anymore, but … I know I have placed people on pedestals, and maybe I still have some there. 🙁 May God continue to bless you richly.
I am free from condemnation-praise the Lord that His love is always and forever and is unconditional. Thank you for this devotion!!! I needed to hear this message today.
I totally agree with Renee about how easy it is to compare yourself to others and find yourself lacking. I am guilty of doing this often. I see what others have or don’t have in their lives and I turn a blind eye to the blessings God has bestowed upon me. We are all created to be unique and different to better serve God. I recently heard a talk about spiritual gifts that referred to what the body would look like if the ear decided it wanted to be an eye instead. The same thing can happen in the church body. We need to rejoice in our unique qualities and realize God has given us some things and not others for some reason He knows and we may never know.
2 Timothy 1:7… Thankful for a sound mind in Jesus. My mind is prone to wonder… Lord please keep my thoughts anchored in your truth!
Amen, Cassie! Thank you for sharing. “Oh, to Grace how great a debtor…” God is so very good. I am so very thankful. “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – what a hymn. Thank you for reminding me of that, too. Are you familiar with it? Here it is: (I hope and pray it blesses you! )
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
The United Methodist Hymnal Number 400
Text: Robert Robinson, 1735-1790
Music: Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second
Tune: NETTLETON, Meter: 87.87 D
1. Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of thy redeeming love.
2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I’m come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.
3. O to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
seal it for thy courts above.
I needed to read this! I am transitioning from being a stay at home mom to working as a teacher after nine years at home with my girls. My fears and insecurities have robbed me of joy in this journey. I am grabbing hold of the promise, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Thank you for speaking truth into my life.
Thank you Renee for this devotion this morning. Comparison is one of my biggest downfalls and areas of struggle. I compare myself to other women and I really need to rely more on God’s word and what he says about me.
Its a struggle but with your scripture references I am reminded.
Thank you – Be Blessed
Thank you for this much needed message. I am keeping I my head and my heart;
I can do all things theough Christ, who strengthens me.
Seek truth! This is great! Thanks.
I feel inadequate when I don’t receive the affection from my husband that I crave. I know I am still worthy and loved by Jesus, though.
Thank you for your thoughts and reminding us that we are who God wants us to be. This was very helpful in reminding me that I need to look to him and not others for my confidence and security.
A great reminder on who I am, not who I don’t measure up to be. Perfect timing in my life! Thanks!
These verses and your writing are amazingly helpful, no matter our age or circumstances! I’d love to get a book for my daughter and every younger mom to have on hand. Bless you!
Lines up perfectly with what I have been learning this week! Thank you for your sweet sweet words!
Loved this devotional! Today I want to stay “hidden” in Christ. I can think of no better place to be!
As a brand new mom (3 weeks tomorrow!) a whole new set of comparisons have begun. Thank you for the reminder that I am who I’m supposed to be; in Christ and to be the mama of this new life. Also, Phi.4:13 has been a key verse in these early days!
It’s so easy to read the Bible and shake our head in dismay when the ordinary people (just like me) do foolish things. Like when the children of Isreal grumble over the hardships of the wilderness soon after the huge miracle of the Red Sea parting. Or Eve when she was so easily deceived by the cunning lies of satan. The truth is that I am more like these flawed folks than I care to admit, and I can be just as easily tempted. That is probably my favorite aspect of the Word of God – I can relate! And for every mistake made by those who love God, both past and present, His forgiveness, grace, and mercy are always available in abundance.
This is such a good reminder to me. I step on the scale every day and look at the number to see how I am doing. Sometimes I step on the scale 7 or 8 times throughout the day to make sure I am on track. I know that checking in with God and my heart would be a much better way to measure myself, but the weight and the numbers on the scale are so much more tangible and easier to control. My prayer is that I would see my worth as a child of God, loved, redeemed and accepted. I want to break free from finding confidence in the flesh and how much that flesh weighs.
Amen, Lynn! Thank you for sharing. May God continue to bless you richly! By His Holy Spirit we can do as you have written.
The “Who I am in Christ…” promise I’m holding onto today is “I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.” I need to recite Romans 8:28 in this season of my life when so much has happened to make me feel defeated.
Thank you for this devotion today, it spoke straight into my heart and put a balm on my heart. I deal with daily migraines and fibromyalgia and lately I’ve been feeling completely broken and done. I’m blessed by my husband and two kids but I’m often misguided by satan’s lies to believe after the pain and working full time with a long commute… I’m just not good enough as a wife nor mother. Satan’s lies tell me my family deserves so much more.
Today I’m holding onto “I am free from condemnation. I cannot be separated from God’s love.” Romans 8:31–39. I will not compare myself to how well I think anyone else at work is doing (compared to me) nor other mothers and wives. God made me and knows exactly who I am so I am trusting that whatever I lack… I am enough in Him. Thank you for your words today, truly.
Thank you, Nicole! I really appreciate your statement: ” I will not compare myself to how well I think anyone else at work is doing (compared to me)…” I am 59 years of age and work in soft-lines at K-Mart. I am older than most of my co-workers who put back returns, clothes from the fitting room, strays and straighten the clothes on tables and racks. It seems I work more slowly than my younger co-workers. I play that “game” that you mentioned above – especially lately – there has been so much to do – so many returns and clothes at the fitting rooms, and so many messy tables and racks. I often have to tell myself, “I can only do what I can do.” I am just now thinking, “God knew my capabilities when He provided this job.” Very thankful for that. 🙂 I like to straighten , and had often thought I would really like a job that allowed me pick clothes up off the floor and straighten things. Wow! There was actually a job like that! 🙂 I have been doing it for a little over a year and a half. There are other responsibilities, too. Thank you so much for helping me remember that I mustn’t compare myself to my co-workers, and remember Jesus, by Holy Spirit, enables me to to do what is necessary. I can do my best ( and don’t always do that 🙁 ) .
Precious sister in Christ: May you know fully the comforting love of our wonderful, all-knowing Heavenly Father; the love of Jesus Who can relate to our weaknesses. Here is Hebrews 4: 15-16 in the AMPLIFIED BIBLE:
“For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. 16 “Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures} and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
Here is Hebrews 5:7-9 “In the days of His flesh [Jesus] offered up definite, special petitions [for that which he not only wanted but needed] and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him Who was [always] able to save Him [out] from death, and He was heard because of His reverence toward God [His godly fear, His piety, in that *He shrank from the horrors of separation from the bright presence of the Father]. 8 Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered. 9 And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him. [Isa. 45:17]
Wow! These verses speak! We are well equipped to stand against the lies of the enemy, the world and our flesh because of Jesus having been perfectly equipped, and then sacrificing His life for us. He went through a bunch of hard stuff when He was on this earth, and now He lives to ever-intercede for us – understanding what we are going through. Praise Him! This is only part of what it speaks.
If anyone has anything to add, please do so.
May God continue to bless us all richly with His grace, mercy, hope, wisdom and all with which He so desires to bless us. Please forgive us for ever hindering Your move in our lives and help us to really let You fully love us – whatever that might mean for us individually. Thank You for Your sacrifice for each and every one of us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today when insecurities creep in I will remind myself that they are lies that Satan wants me to believe! I will say out loud that I rebuke him and his lies. I am a child of God and I am dearly loved and accepted. Comparison is the thief of Joy!
Thank you so much for this message today. I think most of us do this so often we don’t even realize we’re doing it. We allow Satan to slowly chip away our armor. Well thank you for the tools we need to put our armor back on and stand strong in the Lord.
Thank you, LaTonya! I am really thinking about your statement: “We allow Satan to slowly chip away our armor.” Good thing Jesus is all those parts of the armor to us – Satan can’t do Him in in the least. 🙂 We must not (as Ephesians 4:27) give the devil (or the world, or our flesh) a foothold. Let’s clothe ourselves in that armor daily and indeed stand strong in the Lord. May God continue to bless you richly!
Thank you for sharing God’s promises. I needed to hear this today.
Would love to win your book to share with a friend.
Comparison…a trap I so easily can get caught in…daily! Instead I need to focus on God’s Truths about me! God is bigger! 🙂
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I agree with it all and the attitude we should have, but I think the real test comes when we (unexpectedly) find ourselves in these circumstances that make us compare and devalue ourselves. It does take major perseverance, discipline, and practice to develop an automatic attitude of looking UP, and not across at other people- and be content wherever we are with whatever we have, regardless of how ahead other people may seem.
Yes, Karol! I especially like these thoughts you shared: “It does take major perseverance, discipline, and practice to develop an automatic attitude of looking UP, and not across at other people- and be content wherever we are with whatever we have, regardless of how ahead other people may seem.” Thank you for sharing. The phrase, “…not across at other people – …” really sticks out. We must stop looking at others in comparison, and look to God for perspective. May God continue to bless you richly!
I keep reminding myself (1) I am a child of the One True King – Amen! and (2) Comparison kills contentment (I heard this from a Wendy Pope video, but not sure if she was quoting someone). Comparing myself to others will destroy the contentment I have in my life.
Oh, if only i could remember who I am according to Christ on a daily basis!!!!
Yeah, Reesa! So be it! We have Holy Spirit to remind us, to strengthen us, and to come alongside against the enemy, the world, the flesh and their lies! Praise God! Thank You, Jesus! May God continue to bless you richly.
I often compare myself to others. Thank you for reminding me to look to the true goal.
Thank you for encouraging my not so confident heart this morning! I was doing some comparing of myself just last night and forgot that I need to rely on God and know that I am perfect in His eyes until after reading your wonderful devotion this morning. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Phil 4:13
Thank you for your words! They spoke directly to my heart. I fall into the comparison trap all too often. Thank you for the bookmark and the reminder of God’s promises in His Word. Today I am clinging to Philippians 1:6 and trusting God to continue on to completion His good work in me. Thanks again.
The truth is my brokenness is a lie that Satan wants me to continue to believe. Real truth is I have been made whole by my belief and faith in Jesus Christ.
Amen, Jennifer – to the Truth! Praise God! May we all rest and grow in that. May God continue to bless you richly.
The comparison game is deadly! I’ve been trying to overcome it for some time—and there is no reason to compare. I am unique because God made me that way. I’m trying to remind myself to stop believing Satan’s lies and know who I am in Christ
Yes, Julie! Thank you very much. I especially appreciate the phrase: “there is no reason to compare.” There really isn’t is there? Must think on that. 🙂 Just a reminder that there are lies from the world and form our own flesh. 🙁 We must focus on The Truth and cling The Truth Himself, Jesus Christ. 🙂 May God continue to bless you richly.
I can do all things through the Lord who strengthens me.
I am a daughter of God and good enough for him!
Thank you for your uplifting devotional. These words are truly encouraging to me!
I remember having all those “not good enough” thoughts and now I see my adult daughter struggling with these thoughts too. Thank you for dedicating yourself to the Lord to help so many ladies grow stronger in their faith!