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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
___________
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Many times a day I do just this comparing myself to others. Ask myself many what ifs. I just realized the what ifs are satan trying to get me react. Thank you for the reminding me I am a child a God and through him I have all I need.
Just as I was about to write a comment I went back to start to compare what I thought about saying to what others where saying! The struggle is real y’all.
This devotional struck down so deep for me today. I couldn’t fall asleep last night because I didn’t believe I was enough, that I could be enough! Even with my husbands strong arms around me reminding me that I am enough for him, and I am for God too. And it’s not always I compare myself to others, I compare myself to how I think I should be. And the scars I have on my arm remind me every time I look in the mirror that I’m not enough for myself. I wear long sleeves even in this Texas heat so others wouldn’t be ashamed of me as I am in me.
BUT there is truth in God’s word. Truth that trumps my expectations of myself. Truth that kills my deep desire for it all to be over with. Truth that breaths life into a very tired weary soul. I am accepted as Child of God! I am secure in my relationship with Jesus Christ my Savior! I am significant in the eyes of my God!
Thank you for sharing Lindsay. That last paragraph really speaks to me. Whew! I can talk about truth, pray for Truth to prevail in others’ lives, but do I really believe what you have written here? I am especially asking just how secure am I in my relationship with Jesus Christ my Savior – when I continue to play this comparison game, and give in to temptations and more – not run to Him!? I read His Word, pray, but still struggle. I do know I am human, but it doesn’t seem like it should be quite this way. Does that make sense? I am also thinking seriously about your statement, “Truth that kills my deep desire for it all to be over with.” Wow! Am I really trusting God and believing He knows best and wants what is best – really? It would seem not, too many times, especially if I am too often wanting it to all be over with. What about the growth that comes from plodding through with a loving Savior Who does know what He is doing, what He wants to come of it, and sees the big picture for all it’s worth. What about how he wants to use things in my own life and from my life in the lives of others? I hope this is making sense. I am sort of thinking as I write. Praise God! May God continue to bless you richly, Lindsay.
Oh, this is so me! Thank you for this beautiful lesson. I did not even think about the fact that I was doing this and letting satan win! No More!
Thanks for this reminder today. Be blessed!
Whether I realize it or not, I am constantly comparing myself to others, even you! “If I only applied myself like she did, maybe I could be an author too.” Thank you for pointing out that I don’t need to do that, that the Bible says it isn’t wise, and giving us truths to hold onto of who we are in Christ.
What spoke to me most from this devotion is how the enemy whispered to Eve to “be” more and “have” more when she already had everything from God, he made her doubt God and herself. How easy it is for us as women to fall into that because of society and even because of comments from those we love. I will learn to focus on the truth of God’s acceptance, security and significance. Thank you Renee for sharing this, I needed to read this today, helped me to realize that I need to see myself as Christ sees me and not compare myself to others, because I am unique and created by a very creative God.
God has already given me everything I need. Now to get my heart and mind to stop comparing. It’s a hard struggle but I continue to try and with His help can be victorious!
I woke up this morning and the first thing I did was checkmy Facebook. Immediately I felt jealous as I saw pictures of my friends doing something fun without me. I so quickly compare myself to other women in so many ways, and Satan knows exactly what to do to make me feel insecure. Thank you for this lesson, I needed it so much!
I am a child of God. He is for me nothing can be against me. He loves me and knows the disires if my heart. Thank you Lord for your unconditional Love
Having a hard time today and this message was in my inbox! Perfect timing. Holding on to Who I am in Christ………”I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me”. Thank you for your perfectly timed message.
This was a good reminder today. I continually have to remind women in our ministry to quit doing this and that they are perfectly made.
My struggle that satan continues to nail me with is that I am in the shadow. I get to hear what a great job my husband is doing, but rarely hear those words to me. I am proud of how God is working through my husband, but continually have to remind myself that God is using me too, just in a different way.
We may not see the fruits but the seeds are still planted.
Thanks for a timely reminder.
Love today’s devotion! I often struggle not to compare myself to others, because I know I will only end up feeling like I’m not good enough. Turning to Scripture is the best way to remember who we are in Christ. Even with all my faults, God loves me!
I love this devotion. I’ve struggled with comparison my whole life but it’s only intensified since I became a wife and mom. I would love to be free from this toxic thoughts. Thank you for this lovely devotion. My favorite promise is remember I accepted. It’s hard to believe God chose me but I’m so glad He did! !!.
This devotional spoke to me and I am going to share it with a group of teenagers this Sunday. It is very easy to compare yourself to the worlds standards. I am a much happier person when I keep my identity Christ centered and focused.
This has been a real eye opener. I am bad about comparing myself to others or feel others are comparing me in a bad way. I know I am a child of God and will complete and compare myself only to how I can be whole in Him, who strengthens me!
I am standing firm on the word of God, I am His child and Jesus died for us so we can live freely for our Father in Jesus name Thank you for reminding me that we are God’s children and He loves us and made us a image of himself, and God don’t make no junk!!!!! <3
I was blown away by this devotional this morning!! It really hit home for me when you used Eve as an example of not measuring up. For Eve to feel this way at the beginning of creation as Satan tempted her and got her to believe his lies…this is just so powerful to me. I just can’t allow Satan to have that kind of power over me – I refuse! I will arm myself with these wonderful verses you have given us and say them as I feel Satan tempting me. Thank you so much for this encouraging message!!
Thank you! Any time I start to compare myself to others I will repeat to myself that “I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.” Philippians 1:6. With that in my heart why I would compare God’s work to His other beautiful creations?
The good Lord provided these encouraging words in the midst of near despair in my feelings of inadequacy. Thank you Renee for providing nourishment to get me through today. Printing and posting the verses as soon as I’m done typing!
This is my personality in a nutshell. I am always comparing how I look, how my home looks, how my faith is not as strong as the person sitting next to me in church. I can go on and on. Whenever I am now tempted to compare myself to anyone I will remember your words – I will commit to measure UP by focusing upward on Christ. Amen!!