What About Her?
Originally published in Renew Your Mind: 40 Days to Quiet the Lies Inside Your Head
The bright sun poured into my office, creating streams of warm light on my desk. Thankful for my window and a moment alone, I pulled out my traditional turkey sandwich and my phone to enjoy a break from the day.
Suddenly, pictures of backyard sprinklers and purple popsicles at noon on a Tuesday flooded my screen, as a friend gushed that she couldn’t imagine having to work away from her kids this summer. My stomach dropped. I looked down at my sad lunch and imagined my kids eating chicken nuggets in front of the TV with the babysitter—again—waiting for me to pick them up.
Even though our family’s choices had been bathed in prayer and I knew that I was exactly where I needed to be that weekday afternoon, the enemy’s lie that my friend had taken the better path started to take hold in my mind—daring me to doubt what God had said.
The Bible tells us that the disciples struggled with comparison, too. After Jesus resurrected, He met with Peter to give him direction for the future. Soon, Jesus would return to heaven, but He had work for Peter to do. Three times, Jesus told him to build up His church and disciple His followers. He even foretold that he would have to die for his faith. After having this pivotal encounter with the risen Savior, Peter immediately saw John and wondered what the Lord had for him.
“When Peter saw [John], he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about this man?’” (John 21:21)
Like us, Peter’s first instinct was to look around and see what others were doing in comparison to what God had told him to do. However, Jesus immediately corrected Him with the reminder that we all need—that we are to follow Him alone without looking around to see if we measure up:
“Jesus said to him, ‘If it is My will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!’” (John 21:22).
On our best days, we connect with others to know what is going on in their lives. But on our worst days, we compare our ideas and experiences to convince others (and honestly, ourselves) that our choices are best. Maybe you have had a painful interaction with a friend over…
Homeschooling vs. private schooling vs. public schooling…
Mom staying home vs. working outside the home…
Organic vegetables vs. a box of mac and cheese…
that left you feeling less than.
I admit that I have often found myself there—sometimes touting a freedom that God has offered me with an air of judgement toward those who have chosen something different, and sometimes giving into jealousy over the paths that God has given to others.
Oh sweet friend, the lies of comparison dishonor what God has specifically designed for each of us—and we don’t want to miss out on His best. We can rest knowing that what He gives is for our good and His glory.
Pray with me: Father, beyond revealed truth found in Scripture, You guide each of us uniquely and give us the freedom to take different roads. You use the diversity of our people, places, and things to reach the world for Yourself. What grace! Lord, help me follow You and You alone. Remind me that what You have planned for me is best. When I see others and wonder if their path is better, settle my gaze on You in faith that You know me better than I know myself. I trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.