trbccoffeebreak

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (Galatians 6:4 NLT)

Where did this all begin? Comparisons. We compare our looks, and when that fails, our intelligence, our position, our influence, our wealth or lack thereof, our age, our skin color and even our marital status. Is there anything we won’t compare in an attempt to measure up, matter more and feel content with our constant efforts to achieve? We know it’s wrong but just as we overcome one area of insecurity another pops up to remind us of our sinful condition exemplified in one of the earliest sins committed; Cain’s comparison that eventually lead to Abel’s murder. Perhaps this is why God despises comparison so.

Miriam arrives on the scene in 1 Chronicles 6:1, “The children of Amram were Aaron, Moses, and Miriam.” That’s some family lineage. Exodus 15 describes her as a prophetess and worship leader. Miriam led the celebratory procession following the Red Sea waters that separated Israel from its captivity. She was a leader within the Israelite community, gifted and well respected. And you did note that she was a woman! Even with her advanced position, she compared what God had allowed Moses to do with her own situation. God summoned. Seven days of leprosy, and of even greater consequence, temporarily ushered outside of God’s presence. The next mention of Miriam is five chapters later at her passing.

God has given us amazing gifts, custom-designed for each of us, to be used for His glory. He longs to see His gifts used in the manner intended. Not for us to masquerade as someone we’re not, not for us to bury as though they don’t exist, or to distort and become what isn’t intended. When I am focused on what another has been given, I tend to not take care of the gifts I have been given. My place and potential are overlooked and underdeveloped. I fail to enjoy the gifts given to me and fail to acknowledge and appreciate the provisions of God; His supremacy and care. God is in complete control of my life and He knows precisely what I need, who I need and where I need to be in order to most effectively glorify Him and serve His people.

“Father, may I enter Your throne room, accessible only through the blood of Jesus. May I repent for my fleshly fearful focus and allow You to transform my gaze to Your generous gifts crafted just for me, knowing that You and they are fully enough. May this please and glorify You, my Creator.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life