Big Shoes To Fill

We who are writing at Well Christian Woman have big shoes to fill. When Rod asked me to write I was SO excited and honoured to be a part of the vision and the ministry that Kimberly started here and help continue the work that God asked her to do.

But then I started thinking. And like always, I thought too much. I got nervous. And felt inadequate. I have always looked up to Kimberly and respected her. She was a woman who was focused, determined, passionate and articulate. Her faith was so incredibly beautiful and inspiring. In every post, in every conversation, she presented God and his word in a way that was completely honest and unashamed. And I started to feel a little inadequate. Like my words wouldn’t measure up.

But God has been gently prodding me and reminding me of a few things. He’s been reminding me that in him there are no standards to measure up to and no comparisons to be made. He reminds me gently that it is his grace and his grace alone that rescues…

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation isn’t a reward for the good things we’ve done, so none of us can boast about it.” — Ephesians 2:8-9

He reminds me that we are his beloved…

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago..” — Ephesians 2:10

And that he delights in us…

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty saviour. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with singing.” —Zephaniah 3:17

It is so easy to compare ourselves to others. To look at people we look up to, respect, or admire, and think “if only I had…” But God doesn’t see us for what we’re lacking. He doesn’t look at us and see a list of standards he hopes we measure up to someday. He sees us, loves us, and delights in us as his unique creations. Our insecurities and our inadequacies don’t have to be barriers that keep us from him, but instead are a unique part of our story that he wants to use.

Next time you’re tempted to compare yourself to someone else, to feel like you don’t measure up, picture God – so filled with love for you, and joy over you, that he can’t contain it. “He will rejoice over you with singing.” Just picture that. The almighty, all-powerful God of the universe rejoices over YOU with singing.