IF ONLY I WAS……
The other day I was listening to a training call and the gentleman talking basically said that we all compare ourselves to others. He went on to say that not only do we compare ourselves to others but we compare our worst self to their best self. Huh? This person was talking about business and how we make excuses for not doing something. “I can’t do that because I am don’t have that many friends.” “I can’t do that because I am not a good public speaker.” “I can’t do that because I don’t have the money to spend on advertising.” Basically, he said we were just all making excuses.
I can sit here and list you 10 reasons I can’t do something but it is so much harder for me to list 10 reasons why I can do something. I can list 10 things I would like to change about myself but it is so much harder for me to list you 10 things I like about myself. What does that say about me? Do I lack confidence?
The Lord gave each of us strengths and weaknesses. I believe that HE did this for a reason. If we didn’t have a weakness would we ever lean on the Lord, would we ever have to trust in HIS powers? If we didn’t have weaknesses how would we ever grow? I am shy but that doesn’t mean I can’t put myself in new situations to grow. The woman’s club has given me a wonderful platform to overcome my shyness. I became the President of our local club and had to lead the meeting in front of 20-30 people. Even though that is a few people, I was petrified. I would shake so hard you could see the papers in my hand move. Next came the District level where I became President and had to conduct the meeting in front of 50-70 people. Once again I was petrified but I still did it, and even though I shook the ladies in the audience didn’t seem to notice. Then, I went on to be the State Fundraising Chairmen where I had to get up in front of 200-300 people and talk and I even had to conduct workshops about Fundraising. All these actions petrified me. I always said a prayer before each meeting, before each speech, before each workshop. I leaned on the Lord for help and He got me through the process. HE has helped me to grow.
I believe the Lord uses our weaknesses as a training tool. I can see him teaching me and training me daily. Why would someone who is shy start a blog? Why would someone who is shy agree to fly to San Diego and meet thousands of people she doesn’t know? I believe that the Lord has something in mind for me and he is using my weakness to become a strength.
What is your weakness? Can you feel the Lord working in your life? Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. If you have to compare yourself with someone, then compare your new self with your old self. We are the Lords work in progress.
Have A Blessed Day
Great message today! I have a fear of change, but the Lord blessed me with a new job in the last five years of my career. This job blesses me with a different pace and the chance for renewed health. We are sometimes fearful of what He places before us. But if we trust in Him we can find great things that we never anticipated! It is a daily practice for sure. Encouraging words indeed! Have a blessed “day of rest”.
I look forward to reading your blog every day. Your post today really spoke to me. Thank you.
I believe this to be true. When things happen so abruptly, we need to stop and look. God has always lead me in my life. Sometimes I forget and God always put me back on track. Thank you and all of you have a blessed day!!
So True ! I believe God is working on my Patience. There was a time that i cudnt even stand in line at the supermarket. But now he is giving me the strength to not leave Thank you for your encouraging words !
Have a wonderful Sunday
Nicki, my Preacher is like that with traffic. It drives him crazy. He is constantly battling patience. He has laughed and said that the Lord puts the traffic in his way so he can practice. Lol!
I really needed to read this today. I’m constantly comparing myself to others, thus plaguing myself with insecurity and defeat. Thank you for this wonderful reminder!
Exactly, Jennifer. Comparing their best with our worst never ends well for us. You are right about the insecurity and defeat.
My bible reading this morning was from Isaiah “Here am I Lord send me”. We had a Women’s dinner at our church last night & that was also the message there. I think we all need to step out of out comfort zone sometimes so God can show us his plan for our life. I did this about 10 years ago and I have had so many blessings, and some trials, since that day but have grown so much in my Faith. Thanks so much for your encouraging words.
That is a hard verse. Send me! That sounds wonderful until HE does and then we panic, or at least I do. My prayer is always “Use Me.”
Very inspiring and a good reminder! Enjoy your Sunday!
I can relate to everything you said! The Lord is at work in my life too. Love your blog.
Thank you Tania for your honesty. I too believe God uses our weaknesses to lean on him. I think women compare themselves so much more than men do. It must be a “woman thing”. I did a study on the spiritual gifts and we all have one or more. I know in my case I have allowed Satan to discourage me and rob me from my gifts…maybe gifts. I am trying to be obedient to God and use my gift/s. You do a phenomenal job preparing your post/blog. I truly do not see how you do all that you do. I have said this before and I will say it again….I thoroughly enjoy your sense of humor, your many combinations of outfits, your family pics with stories and really look forward to your Sunday posts. You make me smile every morning ?(and laugh ? too) ~Lisa~
I think it is a “woman thing” too. I can find hundreds of things to compare myself to others with. It doesn’t have to be anything big it can just be the graceful way she walks or the beautiful penmanship she has. I always love you comments, Lisa. They make me smile!?
I think we are direct by a bigger someting. Things happen to us for a reason. And sometimes it takes longer to get there because we don t listen enough.
I agree, Nancy! I am not a very good listener. That is an area I need improvement in.