COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY

Each one should test their own actions.  Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. Galatians 6:4

Sadly, it has become second nature for us (self included) to compare ourselves to others. Oftentimes we do it unconsciously.  "On my! I wish I had her shoes/clothes." "Awww, I wish my relationship was like theirs!" Sound familiar? Maybe not those exact words...but you get my point.  We often let society's expectations dictate our reality.  No two people are the same.  Take PRIDE in know you are exactly where you are suppose to be [at present].  I'll share a personal story.

Shortly after college I was lost and confused.  I felt as though I had wasted four years of my life with nothing to show.  Was this true? Absolutely not..but...comparison is the thief of joy. I found myself constantly comparing my situation to others.  Friends landed great jobs in corporate America. Others were granted admission to professional/graduate school.  Where was I? In my mind, I was stuck working at a job that I hated! In God's eyes, I was exactly where I needed to be [at present].  You see, I could not be content with my situation because I was too busy worrying and comparing myself to the next.  I remember asking myself "Why am I stuck HERE?" The answer is now very clear...because that's the path God chose for me.

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.  When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 

2 Corinthians 10:12

You see, I simply could not see the forest because I was too focused on the trees.  Through this period, I learned a lot about myself.  I learned to be patient.  I learned to trust God. I learned that if I fall seven times, I had better stand up eight.  I learned that God's timing is ALWAYS perfect.  But most importantly, I learned that by comparing myself to others, I was allowing the devil to steal my joy.  

Let's fast forward  three years.  I am content.  Am I were I ultimately want to be? Of course not...there is always room for growth and I will never stop dreaming! However, I am content with God's plan for my life. If you are struggling with anything [at present], please remember that God's timing is always perfect.  We may think we have it all figured out, but His WILL will always prevail.  Hang in there and remember that comparison is the thief of joy.

xoxo

RAEofsunshine