Stop Comparing

Last night some of my fellow homeschool moms and I finished discussing a book by Todd Wilson called, "Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe." It's been an encouraging book for all of us. The basic truths of this book are helpful for anyone: everything you do, every decision you make, and the attitudes you hold are based on what you believe. If you go through life comparing yourself to everyone around you, you will feel discouraged, defeated and alone. That is exactly where Satan would love for you to stay. He would love to keep you from experiencing the best that God has for us.

Here are some points that stuck with me.......

• Don't believe lies.
• Lies blind you from seeing the truth and leave you feeling defeated and alone.
• If lies go unchecked and unchallenged, your joy will be sucked right out of your home, your marriage, and your life. You will put undo pressures on your children, your spouse, and yourself.
• What are some of those lies we believe?.......Everyone else is more capable than you and can do it all. Everyone's marriage is better than yours. Everyone is more disciplined and more spiritual than you. Everyone fixes better meals, has a cleaner house, and better kids than you.....ya-da-ya-da-ya-da.
• Jesus taught the truth and it was freeing. God's truth is light and easy.
• Hiding your true self leaves you feeling alone and isolated. Being REAL produces freedom and healing. Being REAL deepens relationships.
• The great thing about TRUTH is that it's always TRUE. It doesn't change over time, smear when it gets wet, or stretch when it's pulled.

I believe someone, besides me, needed to be reminded of these truths today. As Todd puts it, "Let me encourage you not to compare your weaknesses against others' strengths. It's a losing proposition. Instead, be confident that God knew what He was doing when he made you and that your weaknesses and strengths are exactly the ones He wanted you to have." And just in case you need more affirmation.......know this:

• You ARE NOT alone.
• If you are a mother, God gave your children EXACTLY the mother they needed.
• You CAN'T do it all.
• God LOVES you!!!

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He [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed...James 5:16

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John8:32