"To complete or compete"

I was listening to a Christian radio station and the spot for Proverbs 31 ministries came on. I was convicted by it as I have done this more times than I care to admit. When I do I am hindered to do the will of God in my life. I become too self-focused and turn my attentions away from God. Listening to this made me feel free to be me and not to compare myself with other women (as I see them). I am who God created me to be; "fearfully and wonderfully made." Here is the message:

"Have you ever wondered why you’re the way you are, or why you do things the way you do? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. From the time I was in Jr. High, I didn't really like who I was. I compared myself to girls around me and tried to figure out who people liked most, so I could be like them. It was exhausting!Comparison is our worst enemy because it leaves us confused and discontent. My friend Genia summed it well one day while we were talking about comparison. She said, “When I compare myself with someone else, I can never measure up because I’m comparing my insides with their outsides.”Comparison becomes a competition but no one wins! God never intended for women to compete with each other; He wants us to complete each other. We need to encourage each other’s strengths and be who God created us to be."

I am guilty of comparing myself to other women; women who are mothers, wives, friends and daughters and feeling like I don't measure up, that somehow I am failing to reach my full potential. Thankfully, I am NOT who God intends for me to be as of yet and I am a work in progress. God did not create me to be anyone else--He created me to be ME. "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it."

I am thankful for the reminder that we are all unique and created in His image for His pleasure.