Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Do I Measure Up??

Posted on By jennifer

“I hope they like me.  I hope I fit in.”  

“What if they don’t?  If I don’t fit in?  Why did I even come?”

These could be the thoughts of a middle-school girl walking into a new cafeteria.  Or a new mom attending her first MOPS meeting.  It might even be a woman, well into her 50s, on the first morning of a new Bible study or other small group.  (just sayin).  The desire to fit in is real for all of us.  For all ages and maturity – both physical and spiritual.  We’ve all found ourselves standing at the threshold of that new place…mentally assessing whether we measure up.  It can be torturous.  I often think those feelings, and the entire comparison trap in general, should be something I would have a better handle on by now but, in reality, I struggle with them far too often.  Talking with other ladies, I don’t think I am alone.

Today’s FMF prompt is MEASURE.  I know my thoughts are much more than five minutes but I am going to try my best.

GO – Romans 12:1-2 are two of my favorite verses…life verses, if you will.  I quote them, meditate on them and rehearse them often.  I do want my life to be a living sacrifice.  I know that renewing my mind and not allowing the world to shape my thinking, my choices and my attitude is crucial.  But, interestingly, I rarely consider verse three along with this passage.  Romans 12:3 says:

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

The passage continues with the explanation that each of us has been given unique and different gifts.  So often, it is easy for me to see – and admire – the unique talents and gifts of others.  Of all those ladies sitting in the Bible study.  I have little trouble noticing the many different personalities and unique abilities – and see them as special; but at the same time, feel my unique gifts make me..well, different.  In an awkward way…that doesn’t measure up.

I often heard the phrase “By God’s grace, I am what I am.”  Usually, I hear it offered almost as an excuse for who we are.  But, this verse in Romans confirms that “by God’s grace, I am what I am” is exactly right.  Because of God’s grace, each of us has been given a measure of faith.  A certain and unique quantity.  I know women of great faith.  I know and am humbled by women with real wisdom.  Women with gifts and abilities that I so admire – and desire.  But I am responsible for the talents, gifts, and design that God has given me.  Those are the only ones I can use to be “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.”

STOP – There is much more that could be said.  I pray these five-minute ramblings will encourage you to not only appreciate (even, embrace) your unique gifts but to also look for ways, even today, to use them for His good, and acceptable, will.  Just in case, you are not familiar with my favorite verses, I will end with them.  Be sure to check out the other posts with thoughts on MEASURE.

Romans 12:1-2  “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Five Minute Friday

Comments (7)

  1. Visiting as your FMF neighbor. All I can say is Amen! We are all uniquely made with different talents. Embrace the differences … celebrate the sameness.

  2. You have touched on a sensitive spot that we all have. Romans is such a good book to help us–Paul’s honesty and vulnerability are a good example for us–as he encourages us. Great post! Visiting from FMF.

  3. Oh, it’s so easy to compare ourselves to others – and how stupid that we also compare faith sometimes! Thanks for this timely reminder!

  4. I think we all worry at times about how we measure up to others and we all want to fit in. It definitely helps to remember that God has made us all different and we are not meant to be the same as anyone else.

  5. I am passionate about encouraging people to discover their giftedness. You offer a great exhortation here. We need to embrace the ways God has shaped each of us.

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