By Andy Lee, Guest Author
Creative Comforts is a soon-to-be-released co-written devotional on Hands with a Purpose. “Glare of Comparison” is an excerpt from that 30-day devotional.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
What does it mean to be creative or artistic?
Have you tucked away your dreams, buried them under the dirt of self-pity and disappointment, because of fear of failure?
Many of us have a dream to create something special or unique. We’ve heard a call from God, but we look around at other people who have succeeded in similar dreams and callings and rapidly sink in the quicksand of doubt. Sometimes that quicksand becomes a stronghold. Sometimes we become so caught, we cannot find a way to escape.
Comparison is part of our human nature, but it’s a dangerous game—one of the greatest tactics and favorite diversions of the enemy of God.
I remember a battle I had one night inside my head.
The negative voice repeatedly told me that I couldn’t be a great speaker or writer. It reminded me there were many people more gifted than I—even named names.
But another thought fought back in the midst of that battle, “He’s right. You alone aren’t great, but I AM and I live in you. My power will shine through you, the one who needs my help. Trust Me.”
In that moment, I was free to serve wherever God opened doors. I didn’t need to wait until I perceived it was time because it was no longer about my ability but God’s.
The truth is, there will always be someone more talented, more beautiful, and more spiritual.
Always.
Yet, God created you and me to fulfill a special purpose no one else can. Each of us must step out in faith and trust, even when others may see us as lacking because they judge by the standards of the world. God’s ways are higher than the worlds.
Comparison often stops us from taking those first steps.
It stops us from painting the picture, writing the song, or publishing our book because we assume it’s already been painted or written. However, if God has called you, if He has given you that dream, then He has a purpose that only you can fulfill.
Someone needs to hear the message in a way only you can write or paint it. Someone will be changed when he or she hears the gospel through your lips, with your shaky voice because you love her and have walked in her shoes.
You have been called. What is God telling you to do next? What dream has He given you? What is your next step of faith?
If it’s unclear, wait. Pray and allow him to lead the way, open the doors, and grant you His grace to succeed.
Remember, success is not measured by God as it is by man. Dream big.
Father, please reveal to me the dreams you have for me, beyond those which I have for myself, beyond those for which I have ability. Grow my artistic or creative abilities to match the dream you have provided. Call me to a higher purpose and help me to achieve my potential through Jesus, my Lord and Savior.
Andy Lee is currently under contract to write a Bible study with AMG Publishing.
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