“Let everyone be devoted to fulfill the work God has given them to do with excellence, and their joy will be in doing what’s right and being themselves, and not in being affirmed by others.”—Galatians 6:4 The Passion Translation

Our stories are meant to inspire and encourage others who find themselves going through something similar and/or who need to see that there is hope. What our stories are not meant to do is discourage people by way of comparison; yet this seems to happen a lot. As someone with a story to share I pray people are only encouraged and not discouraged when I testify of God’s goodness in my life.

The comparison virus is infecting many of God’s children today.

Believe me, I’ve been there more times than I can count so I’m coming to you from a place of humility and experience.

Romans 12:14-16 says, “Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody,” (The Message).

It’s important we don’t fall victim to comparison, but instead, with a spirit of thanksgiving, we accept the plans God has for us, we embrace that our stories look different than another’s story. It’s from this place that we are able to rise up and rejoice with our brothers and sisters when they are rejoicing and we are able to empathize with them when they are down.

My story may look similar to your story but that doesn’t mean your story will play out the way mine did, and visa versa.

How easily comparison breeds discouragement!

Looking at another’s testimony, it can be oh, so easy to grab hold of a similarity and deceive ourselves into thinking our next steps will look like their next steps did; and then when ultimately they don’t, we become discouraged! Its then that we begin to question God about His plans for us and we get sucked in to a lifestyle of discouragement and disappointment.

God has a word for you today friend!

He wants to encourage you in the plans He has for you! The Jeremiah 29:11—plans to “prosper you, not to harm you, to give you hope and a future!” You have a bright future with Christ! But know that your story is as unique as you are! Just as you look different, talk different and think different—your story is different. Sure there may be similarities, but when you notice a likeness in someone else’s story be careful not to cling to their testimony as a blue print for your life! The only blue print exists in the library of Heaven! It’s there that your story sits complete. God knows the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10). He wrote your story. And He’s waiting on you to trust Him alone and seek Him for guidance on your next steps! He is the author and finisher of faith (Heb. 12:2).

I love you all!

~Krissy

P.S. How can I be praying for you today?