How Do You See Yourself?
There is a story in the Bible from the book of Numbers, chapter thirteen, that I find fascinating. This is the point when God brings the Israelites out of slavery and through the desolate wilderness, leading them to the border of the promised land. There was just one problem–the son’s of Israel saw that the inhabitants of the land flowing with milk and honey were men of great size.
“…We became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 13:33
Pause for a second and consider how they saw themselves–as grasshoppers; frail, small and weak. They completely lost sight of who they were because they “compared” themselves to the men larger than they were.
If I’m honest, I too have felt like a grasshopper, because I have certainly felt as though I didn’t measure up. We women are the worst. I remember standing in the halls at Stewart County High School and watching Glenda, one of the most beautiful girls I had ever seen. I wasn’t the only one that noticed her; when she walked by, all the guys stood in attention. I thought surely if I practiced enough that I could stroll like she did.
I wish I could be like her…
She is so pretty…
It didn’t stop there. In college I tried to dress like the other girls in hopes of being like them. In other words, I wanted to be someone different. After graduation, I entered the workforce in the pharmaceutical industry, I drove myself crazy trying to be as good as Hollye because she seemed to be the best at everything.
If only I could be like Hollye…
Hollye is smarter than me…
“That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.” Galatians 5:26 Message Translation
Our youngest daughter, who is away at college, paid me the greatest compliment last week without even realizing it. When we were trying to figure out a time that I could help her with a project, she proclaimed,
“Mama, why can’t there be two of you?”
God made you and I as an original because we were made by God with a purpose in mind. A quote I recently found says, “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you figure out why.” (Author unknown)
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 ESV Translation
I’m tired of wasting precious time comparing myself to someone else. What about you? Is there a Glenda or Hollye in your life that keeps you from seeing your own value because you are so focused on looking at theirs? That is what the enemy of this world desires–to keep us consumed with comparing ourselves to others, instead of seeing our own precious value in the kingdom of God.
This day, look in the mirror and say, “I am an original…”
Interesting story today because I look at you and wish I could have as much faith as you do! The story of you praying in the bathroom stall for a passport and there it was. What great faith! You were always my favorite rep and I am so proud that you have started this ministry. Thanks for your prayers and your uplifting stories.
Melissa
Oh Melissa, God is in the process of teaching you that you can trust Him even when you don’t understand. It was the toughest days with my children that caused me to completely surrender to His will; I was to tired trying to figure it out on my own. Thank you for your encouragement! This blogging is tougher than selling you Anzemet!
Love this article! As a child, I would often compare myself to my childhood friend, Rhonda. She was beautiful, smart, athletic, and popular. She had a boyfriend early in life; whereas, I didn’t. I loved her like a sister, but never felt that I measured up. Through the years, we have reestablished our friendship/relationship, and we both love the Lord with all of our hearts. When we get together, it feels like a revival! I am happy to say that Rhonda is now soul sister, and there is something about our parents being friends in our early years that make us feel like real sisters, something that neither of us were blessed with in our families. Rhonda, I love you, and I am so thankful to have someone like you to be a role model, in my life. Beth Moore once said, “Comparisons are like poking holes in your heart!” Thankful God loves us both in our own unique ways!
I have tears right now because this makes me so sad that I never knew when we were young. I’m sure I would have just said you were being silly, but knowing the struggles I have had over the years, I know it’s not silly–it is real. Thank you for always loving me Sarah. An unspeakable joy fills my heart to know that we will be in heaven together. I wonder if there will be Barbie’s? 🙂
I need this word! Bless you for making public your struggle and how God loves us each and everyone. I am one of a kind.
Beth
Thank you for your encouragement Beth! I would love to hear if you have met with Patsy!
So true!
Thank you! Love you girl!
Thanks for this encouraging word. I don’t struggle with others but I do struggle with purpose and validation. It is so encouraging to know I am enough and that God gives me what I need as I need it
Patti, I would love to know how you managed not to compare yourself to anyone else over the years and I’m totally surprised that you struggle with purpose! You are a giver of life to all that know you–including me! Love you!