Blog Post by Abby McDonald
The morning was full of potential. I got up on time, didn’t check social media, and made the kids breakfast.
Then, after dropping my son off at the bus stop, I checked my email. And everything went downhill.
The intent of the message was positive. My reaction to it was not.
This successful blogger wanted to let me in on all of the secrets to success. And I’m sure deep down somewhere that I craved this knowledge.
But what I saw? The numbers. How many readers visited her site. How much income she brought in each month. It was though these stats represented some invisible gate-keeper and I was stuck on the outside, pushing a door that wouldn’t budge.
Comparison turns our vision into opposition. It turns our joy into jealousy.
As I sat there that Tuesday morning basking in self-pity, and knew I needed an attitude adjustment. And do you know what’s beautiful about asking God to change your attitude?
He always answers.
Sometimes he asks us to take a good long look at ourselves. Other times he sends a word of encouragement through a friend or family member. But he never fails to deliver.
On this particular weekend in mid-winter, he drew my attention to my kids. Particularly my oldest son.
My firstborn delights in new responsibilities, no matter how small. You can give him the house key to open the side door as you labor up the steps with groceries, and he will skip to complete the task.
But more than that, he does it with love. Which is something I forgot in my moment of temporary insanity and comparison.
As my son grows older, my husband and I increase his jobs around the house. He takes care of the pets and helps clean up around the house, and we reward him for his efforts. But we don’t start him off with a huge list of chores to do. Nor do we trust him things we know are beyond his ability.
If we look at scripture, God follows the same pattern. When we first read of God’s call on David he is out in the middle of a field, tending sheep. When the angel of the Lord appears to Moses, he is tending the flock as well.
The Lord is pleased when we take the same care with the small as we do with the big. As a matter of fact, the Word tells us he “rejoices” in it.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” Zechariah 4:10 NLT
Friends, God does not see our work in the same way we do. And aren’t you glad? With each step you take to glorify his name and make him known, he is honored. He rejoices over you.
The absolute best words we could expect to hear from God on the other side of this life are, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Not, “Congrats on all the followers you had on Twitter,” or “That was a really solid platform you spent all those years building.”
It’s his platform, not ours. Let’s remember that even in the small, he is always faithful.
Even when we misstep.
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Abby McDonald is a writer who can’t contain the lavish love of a God who relentlessly pursues her, even during her darkest times. When she’s not chasing her two little boys around, she loves hiking, photography, and consuming copious amounts of coffee with friends.
Abby would love to connect with you on her blog, Twitter, and Facebook.
Oh Abby, you hit on my favorite topic today girlfriend! That voice of comparison tries to creep in and cause doubt when we least expect it. But there is hope! Thankful for your post today. Adding ii to my arsenal of encouraging stories on conquering comparison (my Pinterest board<3). Love ya, friend!
Yes, and I can’t wait to dig into your book on this topic, friend. 😉 Thanks for your encouragement here today!
I thought of you, Kristine, when I read that title!
[…] Will you continue reading with me today? I’m sharing what God showed me about small beginnings over at Purposeful Faith. You can read the rest of my post here. […]
I love the heart behind this post! Whatever we are facing we can turn to Jesus and know that He will speak truth to our hearts, showing us a better way. It’s a comforting reminder. Thank you Abby.
Amen to that! When we stop and listen to his still, small voice, we find the peace and clarity we need. He is faithful. Thanks for stopping here today, Angela!
I find when I struggle with comparison it has a close running sibling named “approval-from-others”. God has taken me through a major lesson of showing me that it’s only His approval that’s needed, every thing else is gravy 🙂
So true, Dana. Those two are closely related. This is a lesson I have to preach to myself often. 😉 Thanks for sharing your thoughts here today!
This is so good and true, Abby. Thanks for sharing so transparently, and for encouraging us to be faithful with the small things. Lately I’ve been motivated to pray for my readers. Even if there were only 10, God could still use my blog. I’m willing to do it for the few. 🙂
What an awesome idea, Betsy. I am going to start doing this more often also. Thanks for the inspiration, friend. Love it.
Great words, Abby. Especially these…He never fails to deliver. So sweet that God used the thing you hold most dear (your babies) to show you what’s really important. And friend, I’d follow you anywhere. ????
Tiff, you are such a kindred spirit and dear soul. I’d follow you anywhere too! 😀
Abby,
You are one of the most talented writers I’m blessed to know. I believe God has great things in store for you, but His timing may not be your timing. The enemy uses comparison to shake our trust in God’s timing. With young one’s still at home, perhaps God wants you to keep them as your priority and not let writing totally steal that focus. Perhaps this is the warm up to you hitting your peak writing stride when your boys are older…just a thought?!
Keep the faith…He’s got great plans for you sweet friend!
Blessings,
Bev
Bev, these are wise words. And yes! I’ve had this thought as well. I can’t do any more than I am now, and I need to focus my attention on the blessings in front of me. Thank you for the reminder! Blessed to know you.
Such a good truth to remember! We are called to be faithful to our own calling and not get overwhelmed by the comparison game. We are each called to our own race. Thanks for these encouraging words!
Oh yes, Rachel. I hold onto those words from Paul and find so much hope in them. Thank you, friend.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Those are words to tuck deep inside. Abby, your words resonate. Comparison is a monster. I’m there with you, girl. I’ve found that squelching it immediately – well – squelches it. And remembering that it’s simply His platform does wonders. Encouraging post, my friend. Good job.
I think it sneaks up on us in the moments we’re not expecting it, doesn’t it? At least it does for me. Grateful for your encouragement, friend. Thank you!
Amen Abby… I surely know that struggle. I was just thinking about that small beginnings verse this morning so very timely that it should pop up in your post… gotta love a confirming witness when it seems God is trying to impart a truth! I think your writing is lovely and inspiring and it’s endearing that you’re able to interact so personally with us, your readers and friends ♥ Carry on my friend! Your efforts are GREATLY appreciated ♥