In the introduction to this book, I mentioned that I love to search for sea glass. Walking along the beach with the waves tickling at my toes is always a special time for me. Especially coming from land locked Alberta. But I have respect for those gentle waves.

I know they can quickly become powerful. Several times in my life I’ve been surprised by waves — literally being picked up and swirled around — not knowing which way was up. Thankful when I regained my footing.

The Bible talks about being tossed back and forth by waves (Ephesians 4:14; James 1:6). This can happen in many areas of life but today I’m thinking about comparison. We all struggle with comparing ourselves to others throughout our lives… Am I as…?, I wish I had…If only…, etc. When we compare ourselves to others, we become dissatisfied with the plan God has for us — much like being tossed about in the waves.

Over the past few years, I’ve found I can struggle with comparison when it comes to my illness. For some time I didn’t even realize I was comparing, and my pride was involved. Let me explain.

When someone tells me they have a friend with the same illness and they are doing just fine, I wonder why I’m not. When I see someone with a chronic illness working full time, I wonder what’s wrong with me. When the medication that works for so many people doesn’t work for me, I compare. Every time I compare my journey to someone else’s, I get picked up by the waves and can’t catch my footing.

God has been dealing with me on this. He wants me to remember that this is the journey He has placed me on and it can’t be compared to anyone else’s. He wants me to look to Him for my value. And more than anything, to remember that weighing how others are doing with their illness makes me forget the ways that He has blessed me.

Take some time with God on this topic. Ask the Holy Spirit to point out areas in your life where you might be comparing and not even realizing it. Ask Him to prompt you about any pride, or if you might be valuing how others see you over how God sees you. Let God remind you of the unique ways He is giving youexactly what you need for your journey.

May we stand solid in our footing not tossed by waves but sure of God’s plan.