21 Days of Moving Toward GodSample

Day 8: Prayer Beyond Compare

We live in a time where we are more connected than ever to people around the world. Social media comes with amazing benefits and opportunities, but the endless barrage of everyone else’s perfect pictures in the exciting “story” of their lives can leave us feeling like we don’t measure up. Comparison is like a virus and the first thing it kills is our confidence.

Comparison kills our confidence by causing us to look to other people or culture to set our standards. This leaves us with the lie that we will never be good enough, smart enough, or _____ enough (you fill in the blank). It can even poison our prayer life. We can become so wrapped up in feelings of inadequacy that we forget where our true value lies. Thus, we avoid talking to God.

In Hebrews 4, Paul points out that our God, although Holy and Perfect, is one who can relate to us. It’s as though Paul pinpoints our tendency to focus on our flaws and says, “Look, the only one who has any right to stand in judgment, instead offers mercy! Don’t miss out on a divine conversation!” Paul then directs us to “approach God’s throne” with confidence. The Greek word Paul uses for confidence is “parresia,” literally translated to mean “freedom in speaking...without the use of figures and comparison.” Paul knew that for us to experience the fullness God has for us, we have to step out of the comparison trap and into conversation with the only One whose opinion truly matters.

In what areas is comparison killing your confidence? When we compare, we either end up dealing with pride or with inferiority because we think we don’t measure up. Both are deceptions and both can poison your prayer life. As you pray today, approach God with confidence. He is both Holy and relational as He identifies with every situation, thought, and emotion.

When we move, confidence happens.

–Pastor Julie Mullins