Ezra 3:12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

Hi Rose Buddy!

We are still on the subject, “Uninvited Guest.” Today, I will be discussing comparison. The daunting little dame that distracts us from who God desires us to be, where He desires us to go, and our why that some may also call purpose. Now, I like to believe comparison comes through the back door of our hearts which is why I deem it an uninvited guest. It appears in times of uncertainty, lowliness of spirit, and surprisingly haughtiness of spirit. Did you get that? Comparison can actually cause us to prefer our own ideas over God’s Plan. Taking a closer look at the above scripture, we find two point of views. There was one side that rejoiced in building a new house for The Lord. Then, there was the other that were more emotionally consumed with the previous house. Mistakenly, they were forfeiting the now for the former. In that moment, their minds were already made up that what was happening could not compare to what was previously established. Before we get too hypercritical, let’s see how this mindset is prevalent today.

How many times have we tried to rehearse how things used to be in comparison to our current state? Even in this pandemic, many who was ready for 2019 to be over are now wishing 2020 was like 2019. We are wishing we could go on vacations, stop wearing masks, and get back to what we once knew a normal life to look like. Have we ever stopped to wonder what God could be doing? Are we too, choosing to be engulfed in our mere knowledge and not in the infinite wisdom of our Lord? Yes, I went there. We aren’t that much different from the people in this Bible passage.

Their former house was destroyed and out of that destruction God still allowed a new beginning. He granted another opportunity to serve Him whole heartedly and correctly. Now look at us today. We have more time to do the same. More time to reconnect or even develop a relationship with God. I for one can attest to my new life in NY, that the fast life is definitely the most common lifestyle. As much as I appreciate the hustle and bustle, I needed to take time to be still. I needed more intimacy with my Heavenly Father. In fact, I’ve come against some of my most hardest battles and overcame them in this pandemic. Something so destructive, God saw fit to still Grace me with another chance to grow deeper in fellowship in Him. The key to rejoicing in what’s new is to have a leveled perspective. There’s nothing wrong with cherishing things from the past. In the passage, they cherished something sacred and holy. That in itself is fine. What is not okay, is clinging so strongly to the past that we can’t live freely in the present. These are the tough questions we must ask ourselves. You’re not alone if this unattractive shoe fits you. I had the terrible pleasure of unpacking this same message as well.

Now, the ball is in your court? Ask yourself if you’ve been taking advantage of what new thing(s) God is desiring to do in your life? Are you even sensitive to His Voice to know that He is indeed speaking to you? If not, it’s okay. Today’s a great day to change and begin again. Let’s start with prayer.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for forsaking this year as if there was nothing You could do in comparison to what You have previously done. We won’t continue to box You in our feeble ideas of Who You are and what You are capable of performing. You are The God of miracles, signs, and wonders! You are faithful, just, and Your plans are of good and not evil. Thank You for this new opportunity to grow deeper in understanding and preparation for what is to come. We thank You for what You have done and actively want to be apart of what You are doing, in Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

That’s not all Rose Buddy! Be sure to click this link and check out a more personal perspective of this same topic! Is comparison entirely bad? Could there be a more productive way to compare? Click the link to find out! Until next time, PEACE! シ