Comparison or simply measuring ourselves to others has caused many to fail. Many of us are living in someone else’s shadow; this could be a mentor, leader, guardian, sibling or friend. This is the reason there are many setbacks. We have left the origin of who we are because we think we are not what God says we are and cannot achieve what he says we can.
God called Moses out of a burning bush and revealed to him his purpose. He commissioned him to deliver the children of Israel. When Moses learned about his commission, he gave the excuse that he was not eloquent to face Pharaoh. But God assured that he will teach him what to say, even at this, Moses was in disbelief and God chose Aaron his brother to be the spokesman.
When God calls you for a particular purpose or task, set your confidence totally in him. He is the God that created you. He made you the way you are. Unique in his own image and likeness. So quit comparing yourself to others. Quit viewing yourself less privileged and applauding or commending others to yourself.
Believe it or not, God has already equipped you for the purpose he called you to achieve. Moses was fully armed for his purpose but lacked the revelation of the God that created him. God proving himself to Moses, performed two astonishing miracles. Could he also not cause him to speak eloquently if he believed? I suppose he could. He is the God that formed man’s mouth. He created the dumb, deaf and blind. The God that turned his rod to a serpent. The God that also turned his hand leprous and brought it back again to the flesh. He is the same God who would have restored his speech but Moses was in unbelief. Instead, he preferred God to use someone else.
Moses had a personal encounter with God in the burning bush but expected God to use his brother Aaron the same way. Aaron was appointed as a priest. Later on, Aaron forgot his commission and instead of leading the people as a priest, he obliged to them and made a calf image to be worshiped. (Exodus 32:2.) When Moses learned of this, he broke the tablet which had the commandments after spending forty days and nights in the presence of God on the mountain.
When God reveals himself to us, we likewise respond the same as Moses. We feel inadequate for the purpose. We give God excuses and reasons as to why we cannot do it. We even go ahead and just like Moses suggest for a helper and when things don’t work out as expected, we become indignant and make decisions that we later on regret. Bringing us back to the process again.
Hannah did not have children of her own, and many times compared her situation to her co-wife who gave Elkanah children. Though Elkanah loved her so much, she was always in distress because of Peninah. Hence, went to God in bitterness. She did not know the purpose of God in her life to bring forth a great prophet of Israel.
Did God predestine your assignment consenting to your friends’ calling? If not, then why are we so much in a competition that we lose ourselves? We forget why we were created in the first place and we also forget our Creator. God is a jealous God and will therefore not share his glory with any man. God doesn’t have to compare you to your friend for him to get the glory? No! All he wants is for him to be glorified through us. By our obedience.
Bezaleel was chosen by God for purposes of all craftsmanship work for the tent of meeting. He was filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom and skill, understanding and knowledge to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze. Which he did excellently for God’s glory.
John the Baptist was diligent on his purpose. His calling was to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. To testify about the Light, that all men through him might believe. He preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. His lifestyle was orchestrated by God. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, he turned many to God.
John the Baptized knew his path. He was called to baptize with water and Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. On no single occasion did we see John the Baptist playing the role of the Messiah. Even if God used him mightily and people thought he was the Messiah, he made it clear to them his role and greatly excelled in his commission as we see even after Jesus comes, he cites him in many of his preaching’s.
Some of us are not able to stand in our lane because all we are after is men’s approval and not God’s glory. Many live in distress because of this. Thus many trod in darkness and fall. (Jeremiah 13:16)
Nehemiah was a governor in the land of Judah in the reign of King Artaxerxes. For twelve years, he walked in the fear of the Lord not comparing himself to the previous governors who put heavy burdens on the people by taking their food and wine. (Nehemiah 5). He thought of the bondage of the people and observed his purpose giving God glory.
Paul was commissioned to the Gentiles and preached with enthusiasm. No matter the challenges he faced he was steadfast on his assignment.
In challenging situations, we tend to compare ourselves to others. We operate with emotions and forget who we are in Christ. We forget that God has a purpose for everything that happens in our lives. We need to stay put, practice patience rather than fight back when we see others progress. From Joseph’s story, we learn that we should not be led by envy but ought to stay on our lane and trust God’s purpose in our lives.
Jesus our Lord and Saviour came to do the will of the Father. But not everyone believed in him. His main focus was the Father’s business and giving glory to God. Well, not everyone will acknowledge our callings. But just like Jesus, we should be zealous in doing our Father’s business. He testified of John the Baptist as a lamb that kept burning and a shining light.
We have different gifts and callings but by the same God who gives them to us graciously. He that has gifted us has also given us the grace to fulfill our purposes. We should look onto him to strengthen us, and not compete with other men.
God our Father is faithful to those he has called. We can, therefore, place our faith wholly on him. He is trustworthy. He will guide us and is always watching over us. 2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give the diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
Faithfulness and obedience to our callings shall be greatly rewarded. Revelation 22:12 Behold, I Jesus am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds.
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