“I want to do big things for God, but my gifts are small.”
A young woman approached me after an event, frustrated and hurt. She was feeling inadequate.
“I can encourage and help with small things, but that’s nothing like I wish it could be.”
And then, she said something that took me back to my feelings of inadequacy: “I wish I could be like her.”
I remember the same words coming out of my mouth when I was her age. I constantly compared myself to others, but never felt like I measured up. Just like me, this woman allowed comparison to keep her from the joy of serving. She was so caught up 
in comparing herself to others that she couldn’t see the truth.
Many of us feel inadequate. We’re not pretty enough, skinny enough, smart enough. And when we hold ourselves up against people who seem to do more, we don’t feel involved enough. It’s no wonder this comparison problem is rampant. We scroll social media, constantly seeing what others are doing and sinking deeper into feelings of “not enough.” Highlight reels make it seem like everyone is having a perfect day—and a perfect life. Comparison is a black hole that we all can fall into.
Many years ago, someone I loved hurt me. “I hate being this sensitive! I wish God had given me another gift instead of sensitivity.” Mom stopped me in my tracks with her words. “Lisa, God needs that gift in you. Without your sensitivity to others, you couldn’t do the work He has ahead of you. You care deeply, and yes, you hurt deeply, but you need that gift so you can help others walk through their hurt. Sensitivity helps you ‘get it.’”
Mom told me that God had wired me to care about others’ stories. Her words made me see my gift in a new way. I’ve never forgotten that conversation, and now I don’t complain about my sensitivity or wish it away. Instead, I’ve learned to thank God for it, even when it hurts.
God reveals delightful diversity when He speaks of believers as members of the Church body. Each part has something special to contribute to the whole. (1 Corinthians 12:14-20) A body of only eyes would not be very effective! Instead, God calls us to be true to our unique gifts. There is no one else like you! And God sees your gifts as magnificent.
From the words of my sweet Mamma: “There is only one person we should strive to be like, and that is Jesus.” In that pursuit, 
our gifts grow as we grow in Him. She encouraged me to love the gifts he blessed me with, keep my eyes on Him, and look for opportunities to serve. Do you feel caught in the comparison trap, striving, but not feeling productive? Are you scrolling social media until you feel empty and worthless? Ask yourself what you are reaching for. Who are you reaching toward?
“Reach for Jesus,” Mom would say. “He will place in your hands the exact gifts you need.”
You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and your gifts matter. Look straight ahead, don’t compare yourself with others, and keep reaching for Jesus as you serve and give!