Comparison in Chronic Illness

​COMPARISON CAN LEAD TO DISSATISFACTION

I love any chance I get to walk along the beach and feel the waves tickling at my toes. Since I don’t live near the ocean, these are special times for me. However, I have great respect for those gentle waves; I know they can quickly become powerful. I’ve been surprised by waves—picked up by them and swirled around several times. I had no idea which way was up and was so thankful when I regained my footing.

This tossing back and forth by waves shows up in the Bible as well:

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6)

Being blown and tossed about can happen in many areas of life, but today, I’m thinking about comparison. We all struggle with comparing ourselves to others throughout our lives: “Am I as good/smart/gifted as …?”, “I wish I had …”, ”If only …”, etc. When we compare ourselves to others, we become dissatisfied—and may even doubt God’s plans for us. Such turmoil is much like being tossed about on the waves.

LOSING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY

Over the past few years, I’ve struggled with comparison in my chronic illness. Initially, I didn’t even realize I was comparing myself to others, and my pride took hold. Let me explain:

• If someone tells me they have a friend with my illness and they are doing just fine, I wonder why I’m not.
• When I see someone with a chronic illness working full-time, I wonder what’s wrong with me.
• When the medication that works for so many people doesn’t work for me, I compare their experience with mine.

Whenever I compare my journey to someone else’s, the waves pick me up, and I can’t catch my footing.

God has been gently teaching me. He wants me to remember that He has placed me on this journey. I can’t compare it to anyone else’s. He wants me to look to Him for my value and identity. More than anything, He wants me to remember that weighing how well others are doing with their illness makes me forget the ways He has uniquely blessed and cared for me.

PRAYER

Father, help me stand solid and keep my footing, knowing that You guide each step I take. Help me find my value in how You see me. Thank You for reassuring me that You are journeying with me. I don’t need to be tossed by the waves—You have a plan for me. Thank You for blessing me in so many ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 

1. Has a wave of comparison recently tossed you about, causing you to lose your footing?
2. Is there an area in your life where you might be comparing yourself to others and not realizing it?
3. Are you valuing how others see you over how God sees you? Ask God to remind you of the unique ways He is giving you exactly what you need for your journey.