Do you ever feel like what you have to contribute is ok, but what you give is really not all that important? If you're like me, there are times you know in your heart you're right where God wants you doing what He wants you to do. Then there are the times when you question, " Is the work I'm doing really a contribution or am I just spinning my wheels?". And on the heels of those questions I begin to play the comparison game. This person is so much better at...fill in the blank. My Mom used to tell me, " There will always be people better at ... than you and some that aren't as good at ... as you." Those words were spoken as a means of keeping it in perspective and I think as an incentive to keep striving for better, not to settle of just ok or good enough.
There are a couple things to consider when these feelings, questions and comparisons come our way.
1. Don't let feelings be an indicator of how your contribution is making a difference. Feelings are not an accurate indication of what is real. Feelings can change at the drop of a hat. When we go by how we feel and those feelings are negative we could replace the word feel for doubt.James 1:6 talks about asking God for wisdom but he also talks about our feelings/ doubts and how they play into our request for wisdom from God: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." James 1:6 NIV
2. Remind yourself that God made you with your unique abilities and He is the One Who gives them worth. When you begin to question your contributions and if they really make a difference at all you are getting your eyes off of God and a to yourself. Keep your focus on God. So the next time those questions come up, remind yourself of Who God is! The writer of this Psalm did some self talk and grabbed those questions. He made a choice that went beyond feelings and questions, and in the end faith won! See for yourself!
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and “my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you— ... I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.” Psalms 42:6-8 NLT
3. Don't listen to lies from the enemy about your contribution not being good enough. The comparison game can really be intimidating. God made us for great things, and Satan knows that. He will do anything he can to sabotage God's plan for your life. So the simple solution is don't listen to his lies. Once again look at how great Our God is! God created all that is and that means He created you and I. We are made to be a part of many parts that work together. The apostle Paul compared us to parts of the body that all work together. Here's how he puts it in I Corinthians 12:18-20...“But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.
This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.”
1 Corinthians 12:18-20, 25-26 NLT
Simply & honestly, when these feelings, questions and comparisons come to mind, know that you must be on to something great, because there wouldn't be a battle if you weren't on the right track! The expression Don't doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light comes to mind. Keep your eyes on God, trust His plan for you and give your talents, gifts and abilities to Him. He's able to do so much more with our lives than we could ever do on our own. He takes what we have and multiplies if for His purposes! Just like the little boys lunch that God multiplied, He can still do the same today in our lives, if we let Him!
