Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall… Who is the fairest of them all?
Most of you probably know that the above statement is from the movie Snow White. So, why is this important? (fear not, this whole post does have some meaning, and is not about the movie – it is just an example) Well.. A superficial, and evil witch says the statement that I have mentioned above, daily. She looks into the mirror, longing for a different answer every time she asks – but regrettably, the mirror replies with the answer “Snow White” each time.
What the witch is really doing while asking the mirror this question, is comparing herself to others. Well, comparing herself to everyone really, yet she fails to be better than all – and it drives her to the point of wanting to murder Snow White.
The real question here is, who is your Snow White? Who are you comparing yourself to?
I attended the first night of Red Conference tonight, and it was amazing (come join me tomorrow night, and Saturday morning!). The speaker Robert Madu is a hilarious and captivating speaker. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a sermon so much – and really, I never thought I could get so much out of the story of David and Goliath (I mean, being raised in the church I’ve only heard it about five million times – what more can I really get out of it?). BUT this man, Robert Madu, spoke in a way that I am not use to in the church. He was funny! He grabbed my attention, and he spoke words of wisdom directly into my heart. So much so that I am writing a blog about it (if you like anything I have to say, you should really look this guy up because it was all inspired by him!).
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
In this passage we find the answer to what so many people wonder… What am I called to do? or What on earth am I supposed to be doing with my life?! God tells us that we all have a race, a specific race that is “marked out for us!”. HELLO, all we need to do is FIX OUR EYES ON HIM! It is that simple. He has created this path for our lives. A great and wonderfully magnificent journey for us to behold! All we have to do is run towards Him! Fix our eyes on Him, and He will lead us along this path! The path that He created specifically and uniquely for you. The path that He created YOU for. Your calling. Your answer.
Now what does all of this have to do with Snow White?
1 Samuel 18:5-9 5 Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well. 6 When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. 7 As they danced, they sang:
“Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands.”
8 Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” 9 And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.
This occurred after David had slain Goliath. Now David, young, noble, not seeking glory – only wanting to defend the name of His God, suddenly had become a hero! Saul – the king, a man that while he was focusing on his on path, had achieved and become a great man.. Had become, the witch in Snow White. David had become the one person that he was no longer better than. The one person that he had to now compare himself to. How could this boy be better than the king after all!
Here, God is showing us the destruction of comparing ourselves to others. In Hebrews He reveals to us that all we need to do is focus on Jesus, and we will be on the right path! The path God has created just for us! Then, in 1 Samuel God shows us the dangers of comparison. God shows us that once Saul compared himself to David, he stopped focusing on God, and he started focusing on what he could do himself.
Now, your Snow White – are you running their race? Or are you running yours? Because their race may be a completely different path! If you are trying to get to their finish line first, what have you truly won if you actually succeed? The prize that is meant to be theirs? A prize that was not created for you? The glory that you made yourself, that will not be fulfilling in the least bit?
Even if you do prove yourself to be better (in whatever you are comparing yourself to that other person in), wont you still be feeling that void inside of yourself? That void that wants to fulfill YOUR calling. The aching inside your soul to DO SOMETHING! To do what God has specifically placed you on this earth to do! Only Jesus can lead you to that feeling of completion. That feeling of complete and utter surrender and PEACE. Knowing that you are going the right direction. NO DOUBT. Just Trust.
When you focus your eyes on Jesus, you realize that Snow White isn’t important. You realize that the mirror doesn’t even know what he is talking about! You realize that “comparison is the number one destroyer of destiny!” And you find peace.
2 Cor 10:12We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
Comparing yourself to others will only confuse you. God made you PERFECT exactly how you are. If He wanted you to be able to run faster, He would have made it so. If He wanted you to be better at public speaking, He would have made it so. If He wanted you to be better at _________(fill in the blank), He would have made it so.
The beauty of having your own path, is that only YOU can do what you are called to do.
This calling is what you are MADE for. God has given you EVERYTHING you need in order to fulfill your calling. Be confident in that.
After all you are a masterpiece.
Eph 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Do you think that the God of the universe, the creator of the earth. The God who gives you the breath to breathe each day, and the God that KNOWS what you are called to do – would mess up? Do you think He would fall short? Do you think He would create something anything less than perfect?
Be confident, and know that YOU are the most beautiful, and the best YOU that God could have ever created. You have everything you need to do what you are called to do. Just follow Him.
All you have to do is STAY in your lane – and keep your eyes on Jesus.
Follow the path that He made for you, I promise that it’ll be worth it. That is where you will find true fulfillment. Jesus will give you the peace you are so desiring.
