Hi friends! I have a guest post and a giveaway for you today!!
GIVEAWAY CLOSED: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14TH
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a guest post from Renee Swope
Do you ever feel like you don’t quite measure up? Maybe you think you’re not smart enough, pretty enough, thin enough or as godly as you think you ought to be.
It is so easy to think that if we had more or knew more, we’d be secure. But the truth is, even people who “have it all” still struggle with feelings of insecurity. The Bible opens with the story of a woman who had everything, but it wasn’t enough (Genesis 2).
God had established Eve’s worth as His child and the crown of His creation. He also gave Eve every woman’s desire: intimacy, beauty, security, significance, and purpose. Yet Satan conjured up feelings of insecurity by getting Eve to take her eyes off what she had and focus on what she didn’t have.
Boy, can I relate. Like Eve, I’ve heard Satan’s whispers telling me I’m not all I could be—or should be. One day I was reading her story in Genesis 2 and noticed that his questions and suggestions were intended to plant seeds of doubt in Eve’s heart. He wanted her to doubt God and herself.
The enemy’s whispers tempted Eve to try to “be” more and “have” more by seeking significance apart from God’s provision. He convinced her something was missing in her life and that the forbidden fruit would make her be “like God.”
It was a foolish comparison, but all comparisons are. Yet don’t we do it all the time? If only I was like her . . . ifonly I had a house like hers, a husband like hers, a job like hers . . . if only my children behaved like hers. . .If only_______ , then I’d feel significant, satisfied and secure.
In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul warns us that those who “measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, are not wise” (NIV). Comparison will always leave us feeling like we don’t measure up. We can try to do more and be more, yet it’s never enough.
If only Eve had focused on who she was and what she had as a child of God. If only we could too.
Yet Satan wants us to focus on our flaws and feelings of inadequacy, then exhaust our energy figuring out how to hide them. But we don’t have to go along with his schemes.
Instead we can recognize his lies, refute his temptations with truth, and focus on God’s acceptance, security, and significance. Then we can thank God for His provision and His promises that remind us of who we are in Him.
Dr. Neil Anderson says, “The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior and beliefswill begin to reflect your true identity.” So, the next time you’re tempted to use the measuring stick of comparison—be sure to measure UP by focusing upward on Christ—remembering whose you are and who you are in HIM!!
When I say… I’ll never measure up.
God says… Don’t use the measuring stick of comparison, instead measure UP by focusing upward on Christ—remembering who you are in HIM.
“… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Lord, thank You that in Christ I’m accepted, secure and significant. When I’m tempted to find my significance and security apart from Your provision and promises, help me recognize Satan’s lies, refuse his temptations and stand in the power of Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
*Today’s post from Renee is a partial excerpt from her new A Confident Heart Devotional book. Used with permission from Revell Books.
About Renee
Renee has been married for over 20 years to her husband and best friend, J.J, and she’s a mom of three. She and her family traveled to Ethiopia in 2009 to bring home their beautiful daughter at the age of 10 months. Renee is also a best-selling author, speaker and radio co-host with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She and her family live in North Carolina where Renee has served in leadership on the staff of Proverbs 31 Ministries since 1995. You can find out more about Renee and her family at www.ReneeSwope.com.
About Renee’s NEW Confident Heart Devotional:
Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough? Does self-doubt leave you feeling uncertain about your ability to be the woman, wife or mom God’s called you to be? Expanding on her life-changing book, A Confident Heart, that has over 100,000 copies in print, Renee Swope has written a 60-day devotional that will encourage, empower and equip you to live confidently in your God-given roles, relationships, and responsibilities! Each devotion ends with a “When I Say… God Says…” statement and corresponding Bible promise, and a prayer to help guide your thoughts and emotions that day. Plus you’ll LOVE an easy-reference chart that includes all sixty ”When I Say…God Says…” statements for days when you just need a promise to hold onto!
Enter to WIN a signed copy TODAY!
Enter to win one of 2 copies Im giving away of Renee’s new Confident Heart Devotional book by sharing in the comments: Share why you’d like to read the book, and let us know what friend you’d give it to, if you won 2 copies. Winners will be announced Friday.
ENTER the Let God Love You Contest:
Find out how you can WIN a $50 gift card, 2 additional signed copies of Renee’s devotional book, and a beautiful 8×10 print from Emily Burger Designs at www.ReneeSwope.com
I would love to win this devotional, so I could have a new, encouraging book for my quiet times! I would give a copy to my sister!
This sounds perfect to share with my 13 year old. She’s in the middle of Middle School. What a hard place to be. She wants to believe what God says, that she is who He made her to be but finds it sooooo difficult to not compare herself to what she perceives as “the popular” girls who are liked, have it all together and aren’t super-shy. Her escape is reading, all the time!
I would LOVE to read this devotional! This would be so helpful & encouraging when battling doubt and insecurity. I’m a mom of two toddlers and it’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing myself with other moms… I really need to focus on identifying with Christ instead of my shortcomings. I’d give a copy to my friend so we could read thru it together. Please pick me!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
I would love a copy so that I can stop feeling insecure about myself. Not sure that I have felt secure in myself since I was 6. The question of who I would give it to is hard. Most likely my friend Debbie or Michelle.
I would love to read this book. As a fairly new Christian at 63 years old, I’m still struggling with comparison and worldly opinions. I’m trying to figure out exactly who I am in Christ.Sometimes I still feel lost and very confused and wish I could hear His voice more clearly. I would give a copy to my friend Eileen,who has influenced me more than she knows!
We live in a world today that is constantly telling us that we do not measure up! We are bombarded with ways that we should compare and ways to fix the things that don’t measure up! I work in a salon and every day I see women who are willing to pay and sacrifice to look a certain way trying to meet certain “standards”. I would love to read this book to equip myself with a better understanding of how to escape the comparison wars of society! I would probly give both books (after I read one) to young girls that come into the salon who are despritly trying to meet impossible standards to fit in or measure up.
I would love to win the book as I need a new book to read to inspire me. I don’t have many books and I know if my kids see me reading, it might inspire them to read as well. I also don’t have any friends where I live so finding someone to give the book to would probably help me to make a friend. Have a great day and God bless you!
Can’t soak up enough of God’s word. I’m great at inspiring others but fail to inspire myself. This
book is just what I need. I would give this book to a friend who is growing in her faith and recognizes
a need for change:)
I would love to read this book because it focuses on my weakness….comparison and belief that I should be something other than myself. I would give it to my good friend Brittany, whom I often compare myself to!
I am searching for a way to let God’s truths soak into my heart so that I am able to stop being so horribly hard on myself. The second devotional would be given to my sister in Christ who is also my sister-in-law and a great source of fun, love and comfort to me.
I’m in such a strange new season of my life. My mother’s passing last spring has me reflecting deeply on myself and my mothering. Satan has sure done a number on my mind with “I will never measure up to her legacy” types of thoughts. Weather I win a copy or not I may just save up the money to buy this book. Seems to be speaking directly into this road block in my life.
I have lupus and have struggled to get myself
Into a place where I feel it’s ok to be where I’m at. Now
That I’m starting a new training for a 5k with my husband
I can use all the encourage I can get to help keep me motivated!
I would give a copy to my friend Cindi!
I would like to win this book so it can help me stay on track with God.
As a mom, it’s hard to be confident in even the little things like cooking and cleaning some days! So being confident in myself as a mom, wife and teachers is sometimes hard for me. I’d love a copy of the book! I’d also love to give it to a friend who struggles with confidence and self worth. Sounds like this could be the boost we’re both looking for!
A friend recommended this book to me, said she loves it! She has shared with me a lot that she has learned on her journey through this book. I have a list of friends that I would want to share this with, Christian, Colleen, my mom, my sister, I could go on, but just to name a few!!
Thanks for that sweet message, it was exactly what God has been working with me on these past few weeks. I would love to read her book and share it with a friend who is struggling as we’ll. Thanks again!
I feel like this book is good Gospel medicine to combat depression and anxiety. I would love to read it and share it with a friend who was just talking with me about some of these same issues. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’d love to read this book to fight insecurity and doubt. I’d share it with my friend, Jill, who struggles with these same issues.
I would love a copy of this book because Renee’s words resonate with my own struggles. I am raising 4 daughters and want the generational stronghold of insecurity BROKEN for the next generation. The Lord Himself will do that, and sometimes He uses others’ words to encourage us along the way! Thank you for offering this, Clare!!
I’ve always struggled with my self esteem. I’ve been slowly trying to learn and remember what God says about me! I have a few friends that I could share this with.
Wow. Just had a similar conversation with a friend today about this very topic. I’d love to read this book & give one to my friend Katie.
I would love to win a copy, really hits home on some issues trying to deal with. I would give a copy of this book to my bff.
I would love to win a copy of this book, it definitely hits close to my heart with some issues I’m currently dealing with. If I was lucky enough to win 2 copies, I would give the second to my mom!
I spend a lot of time reading blogs of women that are stay-at-home moms that do a better job of taking care of their family and household than me (or so it seems). I often feel I don’t measure up. My best friend has discussed with me the same feeling – but for different reasons.
Wow I really loved this post! I often look at Eve and see myself, feeling insecure with what I have and striving to take control of my life. I would like a copy of Renee’s book because I need a tool that helps me focus on different verses throughout Scripture that point to my purpose and worth in Christ and away from comparing myself to others. If I had a second copy I would send it to one of my former high school students (now in college) who is also seeking to be affirmed that she is a beloved child of God.
I would love to win this devotional because I have been praying for God to relieve me of self-righteous behavior and put all my confidence in Him. I also have a prayer and accountability partner who I’d love to give the 2nd copy. God willing I will have this in my life by 4/15. Not my will but His be done. Amen!
I’ve struggled with confidence all of my life. After my father passed away when I was 9, I stopped talking all together and shut myself off from the world. It was my church family over many years that supported me and helped me grow. God has been faithful and just and without Him I don’t know where I would be today. I would love to have a copy of this devotional to learn how to be a more confident woman.
I’d like to win & read this book because I find myself struggling with lack of confidence and extreme emotions/mood swings. Saturating my mind with the truths of God’s Word will certainly help. I feel encouraged already from the exceed above! If I win, I’ll pray for God to put on my heart who else needs to hear these truths & give the extra book to her.
Wonderful blog. I run a fitness group at my church and will share this with them. It is so easy to get caught up in comparing yourself and then feeling like your happiness is dictated by that.
I’d love to read this, I am leading a group of young 20’s/30’s gals through Beth Moore’s So Long Insecurity – sounds like this would be a great compliment to that study and a fun door prize for our final session.
I would love to read this book and share it with my daughter and my son. My son is not saved my daughter is I have been praying for my son to get saved one day. I would give the book to a friend not sure which one yet.
I have spent decades doubting myself. Throu gh abusive relationships and low self esteem… i thought I would never find happiness or peace… or even if I was deserving of it. The one thing I always hung on to was God. It took me a long time to open myself up to receive what it was that He wanted to do. But, nevertheless, HE was patient with me and has given me strength and courage… and hap points.My friend
Sorry, trying to type this out on my phone. My friend has made great strides to come away from some toxic things in her life and there is still much self doubt… I think your book would give her the courage she needs to open herself up to what God has for her.
I would love to read this devotional because lately I’ve been struggling with being content with God’s plan for me. For 4 years now I’ve suffered from anorexia that was triggered by the feeling of not measuring up to other’s standards. I know God made me in his image and therefore I am beautiful no matter what the number on the scale says. God is so good! I want to dive into this devotional to see how God uses it to work in my life and my walk with Christ. I will overcome this struggle. “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
If I were to receive 2 copies I would share one with my sister in law. I want us to have a closer relationship as sisters in Christ and I think reading through this devotional together would be a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship.
Wow! I love your post. They make me inspired and to always remember my worth in the eye of my maker. Thank you. KE.