Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them. That disciple was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord – what about him?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.” John 21:20-22
For who in the skies can compare to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord? Psalm 89:6
My words…
Praise
One of Your many characteristics which I find comforting is that You are incomparable. I love to read the account of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. You vs. Baal. No contest. No comparison. I can boldly proclaim along with Elijah, “My God is the greatest and the only!” It’s as though I am on the winning team all the time. There is not a power or principality, seen or unseen, that can stand against You. They try and they fail, time and again.
Prayer for me
Humans practice the religion of comparison. Always have, always will. I am not the woman of Proverbs 31. I don’t possess the insight into scripture like my friends. I don’t have the writing skills of most published writers. And cooking? I don’t want to think about it. I relate to Peter when he questioned You about John. (“How do I stack up against that guy?”) Comparing myself to others is a trap. And even though I know it’s a trap, I still stumble into it more than I should. When I spring that trap, Satan smiles. So, I pray for singularity of spirit to remain focused on You and what You have done for me. Help me live for You and no one else.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I favorably compare myself to others: “I’m glad I’m not like that guy!” I’m the Pharisee turning away from the publican. Please pardon my lack of compassion.
Prayer for others
I pray for those who fall into the comparison trap and live there in constant shame and low self-worth. Each one is a precious soul, worthy of Your love and sacrifice. Pull them from the pit and set them on a path to You.
Thank You
There is so much to be thankful for! Blue sky and sunshine. Green grass and flower petals. Sweet corn and ripe tomatoes. Warm hugs. Children laughing. Time with You.
More praise
There is a place, not of this world, where I will live one day. In this place there will be no need for comparisons because everyone will be of one heart and one spirit. We will all be equal, not looking to each other but looking to You. I will be completely free of the things that I use to compare myself to others here on earth. And, thankfully, I won’t have to cook.
