From Jeremiah 29:11 to Philippians 4:13, there are so many scriptures we take out of their full context. The other week, I was listening to Michael Todd’s sermon, Cuffed to Comparison, and his explanation of Philippians 4:13 hit close to home!
Though we often use the verse to help us push through whatever battles we’re facing, that wasn’t how Paul intended us to interpret his words. Instead, he was writing about learning the secret of contentment and rejoicing in the Lord in ALL circumstances. WHY? Because through Yeshua’s strength, he can do ALL things!!
Stop comparing your journey to somebody else’s. Just because they got a job promotion, married, or moved into a new home doesn’t mean your life is less valuable. God knows the timing and plans for your life, but we have to get out of the mindset that it will align with the ways of this world. None of us will have the same story, nor are we all called to the same things, but unless we stop comparing ourselves to others and complaining about where God has us right now, we’re never going to have the strength, patience, or tools to step into what God has in store for us!
I love what Michael Todd said, “Be careful how much you listen and look to people who are so great if your self-esteem isn’t solid because what it will do is rob you from the first steps you need to make because we’re being so critical to ourselves that we won’t even give ourselves the grace to become!! If we don’t unplug from this destructive engine of comparison, you will miss your calling doing something you were never fashioned and formed to do! DON’T LET COMPARISON KILL YOUR CALLING!!!!”
Philippians 4:1-13, “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
