Embracing God's Calling: Why You Should Stop Comparing Yourself

“‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8–9 NLT).

A Modern Way of Life

Several months ago, I got curious about my sleep habits. So, I tried using my Apple Watch to track my sleep. I thought it might give me some insight and help me get better rest. But instead, it stressed me out! Each night, my watch said I wasn’t getting the “normal” amount of “deep” sleep. I kept worrying, what was wrong with me? What was I missing? What did I need to change to be “normal”?

So, eventually, I just quit wearing it. The result? I slept for eight hours, just fine, as always!

We’re so focused on measuring things nowadays. Everything we could ever want to track is available in a tiny device right on our wrist! I mean, sheesh . . . with all the notifications—stand up, time to move, get more sleep—it makes me want to revert to an old timepiece!

The Impact of Comparison

But we measure our lives in other ways, too. We track our success by how it measures up to others’ achievements. We compare our relationship to God with the “ideal” and feel we’re not doing enough. We watch our friends’ journeys (or influencers on the internet) and feel like we’ve fallen behind.

Do you feel stressed just thinking about it? I do.

Comparison breeds discontent. Just like my watch telling me I wasn’t getting a “normal” amount of sleep, comparing our lives to others only detracts from the rich beauty God has in store.

Fulfilling Our Same Purpose in Different Ways

“But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it” (1 Corinthians 12:18 NLT).

The purpose of our lives is to honor the Lord and serve Him in the way that He created us to do. For you, that may look entirely different than it does for me. And that’s beautiful! After all, as the next verse says, “How strange a body would be if it had only one part!” (NLT).

We Should Shift Our Perspective

There’s a celebration and beautiful purpose in our differences and in the way God has paced each of our lives. If we think that there is a “normal” way we’re supposed to live and serve God (outside of living within His commands and guidance), then our measurements are flawed!

Paul flips the script on our human perspective: “In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care” (1 Corinthians 12:22-23 NLT).

Embrace Your Calling

Don’t discount your calling! And can I take it a step further? Don’t measure God against your own expectations! When things don’t turn out like you planned, remember, the Lord reminds us, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts . . . And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT).

God’s ways are beyond anything you could imagine.

So take heart, my friend. In this new year, stand tall in your faith and your calling. Instead of comparing, let’s celebrate each other fulfilling all that God has in store. Stay focused. Stay hopeful. God has it all covered!

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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.