Comparison is a lack of trust in God’s ability to provide for you and meet your needs.

I often look at what is happening around me and wonder if I sidestepped somewhere. After all, it looks like everyone’s life but mine is neatly organized and moving in a really beautiful direction. I easily overlook any cracks in the lives of others by focusing on what looks really broken in mine.

Recently I read the following on a friend’s Instagram story:

What if everything you are going through

is preparing you for what you asked for?

Mikefoster2000

So, what if? Does that make a difference in how things are shaping up? Does it make comparison a little less attractive? The only way to get to where you want to go is through the means of training. And sometimes training means time in the woods or the desert in lonely situations.

When I read scripture, I read that God sees me all the time and can take care of me no matter where I land – Psalm 139; He has a good plan for my life – Jeremiah 29:11; He rejoices over me – Zephaniah 3:17; He will provide for all my needs – Luke 12:22-34.

I could go on and on. The way I see it, when we surrender our lives to the Lordship of Jesus he begins the process of shaping and forming us into his likeness. Not in the way we look, but in our character. But he never leaves us alone and he hasn’t forgotten about us.

As I thought this over, my mind kept going to the end of the gospel of John when the disciples met Jesus by the Sea of Galilee after his resurrection. This is the place where Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. Peter answered, “Of course, Lord, you know that I love you.” In verse 21 of chapter 21 Peter asks Jesus about John.

Read: John 21:18-23

If you don’t read anything else this morning, read these verses. Peter was concerned about John. Jesus had just revealed to him how his, Peter’s, life would play out. And Peter asks “what about him?” and points a finger toward John. Basically, Jesus says “That is none of your business. You just do you.”

God is providing for you and taking care of your needs. Comparing your journey with someone else reveals a lack of trust in God’s plan and provision for your life even when His word to you explicitly says the opposite.

Are you in a rut of comparison? Stop. Turn your eyes back to Jesus and ask him to give you a fresh vision and eyes to see where you ought to be headed. It’s never too late to get back on track. And who knows, maybe what you are experiencing is in direct answer to your prayers.