Maybe you're like me. Maybe you think, "Oh, I love all those crafty things that other women make, and I'd love to be able to do those things, but I can't... it's just not my "gift" ."
If you're like me, I'd love to encourage you with a word the Lord gave me awhile back.
"YOU CAN! STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS!"
One day, after bemoaning my inability to make beautiful things like other women do, the Spirit really gave me a swift kick in the britches! He got to the motive of my heart and said, "You know Sheila. You can offer me whatever you make, and use by faith what I've given you, even if it is just 'one talent', for My glory, or you can not offer Me anything with your hands because you don't think it's as good as someone elses. Have I not created you in My image? Have I not created you to make things, and work with your hands? If so, then make things, offer them to Me and stop comparing yourself to others!"
You and I do not need to go beyond our limits and do what God has not granted us. We don't all have to be artistic, crafty divas! But we must offer God every part of our lives in the area of influence God has assigned us. And if the only thing that holds us back from offering God what we make with our hands is that we compare our product with what others make, and deem our merchandise inadequate, then we shrink back from letting every part of our lives influence those around us for His glory!"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you." 2 Corinthians 10:12-13
Maybe this isn't for you! But this word is most definitely for me!
I cringe when I look at some of the things I've made or done with my hands in comparison to others. But then I hear the Lord I think, "You're right Lord! This is ridiculous! You gave me people and lives to influence and You created me in Your image... even in the likeness of making things. If You gave me one 'talent' in that area let me invest in those around me for Your glory and not compare or hide because others seem to have 10 'talents' in this area!"
Here's a way you could step out there with me in giving what you make with your hands to glorify God- Pay IT Forward challenge
But whether you do this challenge or not, I pray you will step out in faith in the area of making things for God's glory and put to death the comparing of yourself to others! I know I'm seeking to do that myself!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Redeeming the time,
Sheila
Sheila,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. It is hard not to compare. This is a great challenge and reminder.
I hope you and your family have a very blessed Thanksgiving.
One thing I've found exciting is the occasions when I've followed my inspiration in the moment. Rather than trying to re-create what I've seen someone else do, I pay heed to those moments when my mind is thinking "outside the box" and it's always fun to see what I end up doing. I'm not a crafty person who routinely makes things with my own hands but when I simultaneously take the pressure off (not comparing myself) and give myself permission to take the extra time on a project ocassionally, then I get to see what God intended to be the works of my hands.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration!
neajeirual, those are really great points. I think you said it better in your comment than I said it in my post! :)
ReplyDeleteSheila