Surrendering Comparison // Share The Brew With Hannah of Woven Beautiful
I am excited to introduce this week’s Share the Brew Guest Writer. I found Hannah and her beautiful blog while looking for examples of how people used the BeautifulPro theme, because I had a client I was building a site for. Hannah quickly drew me in with her heart for the Lord. I especially love her Monday Devotions. Make sure to stop by and visit Hannah. She’s having a giveaway this week for some beautiful scripture art that she created!
I published my very first blog post almost three years ago. I knew little about blogging, but I dove into a new adventure eager to share a little piece of my unique story. I was pleasantly surprised to connect with other bloggers, many of whom have filled my cup with encouraging words over the years. I’ve also enjoyed seeing the creative touches on other sites and reading blog posts that uplift me. If I’m not careful though, I wander into a trap.
Comparison.
When motherhood called, I joyfully embraced the gift of having a child of my own. As I’ve navigated my way through establishing routines, sleep schedules, and the daily duties of being a mom, I’ve often found encouragement in connecting with other moms. It’s refreshing to know that I’m not the only one who has dreamed of sleep, lived in yoga pants for days, and endured some interesting trips to the grocery store. Again though, this is an area where I’m prone to stumble into a trap.
Comparison.
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
(Galatians 6:4 – NLT)
We are each on a unique journey, but there are times when the trap of comparison tries to lure us in and distract us away from experiencing life in the goodness of God’s design. When I choose comparison it leads to feelings of discontent.
Anyone else?
Comparison magnifies our flesh, rather than magnifying God.
God is glorified in our lives when we submit to His will. This may sound easy, but things like comparison come along and blur our perspective. Comparison has a close friend — fear. Fear keeps us from trusting that God intricately wove us together, equipping us with everything we need to live out our unique story.
Comparison makes us fear that we are not good enough just as we are, but surrender to God’s perfect love casts out fear.
At work, home, church, social gatherings, the grocery store, or wherever else we find ourselves, we either shine light or we don’t. When we compare, we become self-focused and His light in us dims. But when accept the way He wonderfully made us, His light shines through us so much brighter.
We are created to be reflectors of His goodness so that His message of love is multiplied to the ends of the earth. When our lives bear witness to the Gospel, it impacts the lives of those around us. The people we impact go on to impact more people, and the Good News spreads.
Comparison hinders us from living authentically.
No two sets of fingerprints are identical, and this is no mistake. God uniquely created us in His image and marked us with His stamp of approval.
[tweetthis]We each have something valuable to offer this world that only we can offer. @HannahBWrites #ShareTheBrew[/tweetthis]
The enemy laughs when we fall for the trap of comparison, because it keeps us from scattering seeds of life in world that desperately needs a good downpour of hope.
When we disguise our true self by trying to be someone else, we do a dis-service to God and His Kingdom. Comparing our looks to another, our talents to another, our parenthood to another, our relationships to another – it’s all a trap.
Envy is a lifeless road that robs us of joy and abundant living.
There is beauty in surrendering comparison. As we receive God’s love and accept the way He made us, we become free to embrace life as our Creator intended.
How has comparison impacted your life? What helps you avoid the trap of comparison?
Joyfully,
Hannah

Thanks for sharing your timely message! The older I get, the less I compare myself to others, but I have to soak up bible verses to keep myself on track. As a young Mom though, I was in such a trap of comparing, it kept me from socializing with others. At one point, I felt I had lost my true identity because I couldn’t remember who He created me to be. One day, I picked up His word and let Him breathe new life into me. I am ever grateful for that moment I chose to listen to God & remember I am fearfully & wonderfully made by Him.
Larri – Thanks for sharing your experiences! It’s encouraging to know that with time, this an area that seems to become less of struggle — especially when we lean into God’s Word. We are indeed, fearfully and wonderfully made.
Hannah – I really appreciate your clarity & wisdom on the issue of comparison. It’s a sneaky one, and truly is fueled by fear. Fortunately, when we look to God we are reminded of who we are – unique and beloved children of God. Thank you for the encouragement to embrace our God-given authentic selves!
I am often reminding myself that God’s perfect love casts out ALL fear, including the fear that drives me to compare. I am grateful that when we look to Him and remain in His love, we just live freer and invite others into the freedom we’ve been given through Jesus. Thanks for your thoughts, Liz!
Dearest Hannah,
Thanks again for a well thought-through post. You encouraged my heart with your words.
I am finding that age has an advantage in this area. Not that I am free from the temptation of having to compare myself, but I find that I care a little less about the millions of opinions of others (which also frequently change), the older I get.
Maybe it’s the awareness that the steadfast hand of God can be trusted. Over time we see more and more that our God indeed never fails us.
Blessings to you, dear blogging friend.
Thank you as always for sharing your beautiful heart, Heidi!
Oh, there are so many changing opinions, but it is encouraging to hear that the struggle with comparison has become less for you over time. It’s still an area where God is working on me, but it’s not a trap I fall for as much as I used to. So much in this life is fading, and feelings go in waves, but living with an awareness of our unchanging God grows our understanding of His amazing love — staying in His love melts away the temptation to stray away from who He says we are.
Many blessings to you, friend.
Hannah, thank you for writing so beautifully about this trap — comparison truly is quicksand to godly mothering. Blessings to you in your journey of freedom and truth.
Michele, Thanks for welcoming me with your kindness!
Your words remind me of the song, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…” Comparison is such a trap, but when I remain in Christ, knowing that my true worth is in Him — I’m truly free to be who I was made to be.
Blessings to you this week!