I Want That.

Comparison – one of our worst enemies. So often, I hear myself saying, "I want that."

I've compared myself to others for as long as I can remember; whether it’s with what seems to be the "perfect Proverbs 31 woman," another wife who's amazing at taking care of her husband, or a blogger who can do more/write better than I think I ever could.

However, I'm the worst with comparisons when it comes to outward beauty. I see a girl with perfectly long and curled hair or an amazing body and perfect tan, and I get jealous - and I ask, why not me?

Comparison repeatedly diverts our joy, grace, and peace, replacing it with disdainfulness and shame. When we compare, we tell ourselves lies about our lack of worth. Yet, although our thoughts may feel like facts, they're not. The facts come from what GOD thinks about us!

Today, it's time to align ourselves with what God thinks, not what we think. Here's an activity for you: list three talents or abilities God has gifted you with, whether encouragement or writing or decorating or running or simply the talent of listening.

Okay, now I want you to ask God – “What can I do with these gifts to glorify your kingdom?” Now, reflect: we all play the comparison game so much – but what if we loved what the Lord gave us and treasured our purpose? Being ‘put together’ is so ‘in’; I think we get lost in the game of wanting to portray a perfect life like we see on social media and get lost in the fact that our life is not like that!

What we see on social media is not what we see behind the screen. Life is messy. There are trials, tribulations and sin every single day.

I've had to realize I am just as loved by God when I'm a mess OR when I'm full of joy, feeing my best. As I compare myself to the outward beauty of others, I tend to beat myself up and get self-conscious of what others might think of me. I think, “God, why didn’t you make me like them” and I usually hear a faint voice from God telling me “You are Rachael, and there is no other you when it comes to outward beauty and inward beauty."

God made us EXACTLY how He wants us. Sister, we are fearfully and wonderfully made by a Heavenly Father that loves us more than we could ever imagine! He made us just how He wants us - in His image! Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we need to compare ourselves to Jesus. He is the way, the Truth, and the Light.

Today, I encourage you to stop comparing yourself to the person’s life next to you, and start fixing your eyes on Jesus. His is the only standard and the only opinion that matters come eternity.

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So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18 ​​

Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his mercy endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods because his mercy endures forever. - Psalm 136:1-2 

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. - Psalm 139:14 

I'm Rachael Olivia Anderson, happily married and living in the little town of my dreams – Roswell, New Mexico. I have always been outgoing and loved people. In middle school and high school, I struggled with my weight, accompanied with bullies and hurt. Around 14, I was invited to church and fell in love with the Lord. Life has not always been easy, but my love for the Lord has been something that has always kept me going. Follow me!