Fresh Fire For CouplesSample

Consumed by Comparison

Comparison is stealing joy from people all over the world. In fact, we live in a society that has made it easy for us to compare one another with the use of the internet and social media. If we aren’t careful we will allow the enemy to make us feel like we’ve fallen behind in life. This is easy for him to do. 

Think about it. One moment you feel great and then while scrolling through social media, you notice your friends just announced they are having a baby, yet you’re struggling to conceive. Or when your co-worker purchases a house and you don’t know where your rent check is going to come from. Or when your friends are living out their dreams, but you don’t see how you’ll ever walk out yours. 

If we aren’t careful, these scenarios have the potential to make one feel like they aren’t good enough, or that they’re behind in life. 

A passage that helps us steer clear from being consumed by comparison is Romans 12:15 (NIV) which states, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.” This passage teaches us how to celebrate others. When you rejoice with others you eradicate the spirit of comparison. This is so necessary because Satan would love to compare God’s plans for your life with His plans for another couple’s life. 

Do you want God’s plans for another couple’s life? Or do you want God’s perfect plan for your life? Just because someone gets what you’ve been hoping for before you, doesn’t mean God doesn’t have that in store for you. It just may not be your time, yet. 

Remember, God is never late. He is never early. He is always right on time. 

In the Bible, we are often inspired by the words written by Paul, while in a prison cell we might add. In Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT) he writes, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Paul was a free man because he could be content whether he had more, or less than those around him. Can you say the same for yourself? If Paul can speak this way while in prison, then we can speak this same way regardless of our present circumstances; because our contentment isn’t found in what we have. It’s found in who we have, Jesus.

Be encouraged! God will finish the good work He has begun in you and your partner. What is called to you, will find you. God won’t leave you empty-handed. He is our great provider. 

So, the next time someone announces they received what you’ve been hoping for, congratulate them! And take delight in the Lord, because in His perfect timing, He will give you the desires of your heart.

Ponder

Have you struggled with rejoicing with others? Have you ever lost contentment because someone else received what you’d been praying for? In the future, how do you plan on protecting yourself from losing joy over this? How will you celebrate another couple’s blessing while you’re still waiting?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the life You have given me. I am grateful for all I have and do not have. I trust that in Your perfect timing, You will bring forth the desires of my heart. Help me to desire You more than anything and give me the ability to genuinely be happy for others. In Jesus' name.