Don't Compare Wings
Thewings of the ostrich flap joyfully, though they cannot compare with the wingsand feathers of the stork. (Job 39:13, New International Version)
Thursday,I had my appointment with the spine specialist. I didn’t have high expectationsthat this visit would magically heal my back, but I thought I should at leasttry it and see what they said.
Isuffer a fair amount of anxiety, and this ongoing back pain has worsened it. AsI was sitting in the car, trying to calm myself down before entering thebuilding, I wished I had dragged my husband along for moral support. (He wasmore than willing to come with me, but I told him I got this.) But there I was,all alone. Not really.
Sinceit was too late to have anyone else join me, I decided to invite Jesus into thedoctor’s office.
Thestaff person finished rooming me and asking me a million questions, one ofwhich was, “Is your blood pressure usually this high?” And I was left alone towait for the doctor.
Isat back, closed my eyes, and imagined Jesus sitting down in the chair besideme. And then I started in on myself.
Whywas I even there? I already had my mind made up that this doctor wouldn’t helpmy back. And so what? So many more people were out there with problems moresignificant than mine. Sure, it hurt to walk, but only 75% of the time, but Icould still walk. What about paraplegics? What about amputees? Sure, they canwalk on a prosthesis, but wouldn’t that get old after a while?
Yes,Jesus was with me, and while I was waiting for the doctor to come in, beratingmyself for being such a whiner when other people have it way worse than me,Jesus told me not to compare myself with others. Everyone has their own battle,and this is mine. And Jesus will fight it with me just like He fights the onesthat other believers are fighting.
I’mnever alone, and God hears and answers all of our prayers. But today’s reminderis: You may have ostrich wings, or stork wings, or even eagle wings, butwhatever kind they are, don’t compare them with others. They are your wings andyours alone.
