I don’t know about you, but sometimes I fall into the comparison trap. I start wishing I was less like me and more like someone else.
I wish I was funny and could make people laugh. I wish I could accomplish my goals as successfully and quickly as my peers. Sometimes I feel like the last one on the path and everyone else is so far ahead of me, even though I’m doing my very best.
Do you ever feel like that?
Who do you compare yourself with?
In DistinctlyYou, speaker and author Cheryl Martin, encourages us to trade comparison and competition for freedom and fulfillment.
Martin learned early on that letting others define her would block God’s will for her life. While desiring to pursue a career in broadcasting, her high school teacher told her she couldn’t write.
It’s a good thing she didn’t allow those words to prevent her from pursuing her dreams! She ended up receiving a masters degree in broadcast journalism and became a popular news anchor.
Martin uses her personal experiences and study of the scriptures to help others embrace their own God-given abilities.
She says,
“The three C’s (Comparing, Competing, Coveting) can lead to the three D’s (depression, discouragement, and discontentment).”
This book encourages you to take your eyes off of others and examine God’s own distinct plan for you.
It helped me to see that my path is just the right one for me. Even if my steps are slow and it takes me longer to get to my destination.
She says,
“Am I doing the best with what God has given me?”
“Be authentically you. That’s when you will have your greatest success.”
“Your limitation does not limit God.”
She encourages you not only to embrace your own gifts but to make sure that the choices you make are also aligned with God’s will and purpose for you.
The book is divided into two sections, 12 Distinctly You Blockers and 12 Distinctly You Builders. Each chapter concludes with questions for individual or group use.
Since comparison is one of my Distinctly You Blockers, it was affirming for me to be reminded to focus on my own progress and my own assignment from God.
She says,
“When we stand before God, He’ll only ask us about one assignment, the one He gave us.”
Sometimes life can be discouraging and we can lose our vision and purpose. This book will help set your eyes on God’s purpose for you and help you gain the confidence you need to follow His plan for your life.
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This post contains an affiliate link.
I linked up this post at Quick Lit and Book Nook.
I would love for you to like my Facebook page so I can reach more people with the gospel!
Hello there! I'm Valerie, a mom of four and wife of 27 years. My writing inspires others to cultivate courageous faith and find solace in trusting God, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Join me on this adventure as we explore the beauty of trusting God when we are afraid. 
Ummm …. friend, we are two peas in a pod. I get stuck in those same places! This book sounds great! And you did a beautiful job of reviewing it, too! I loved how you woved it around your heart.
Blessings and hugs,
Lori
Sounds interesting Valerie. You wouldn’t think we need another author writing another book on this subject, but apparently we do. Going to look into this book further.
The comparison trap is one that we all fall into occasionally. Have a great day Michelle!
God wants us to be ourselves – not a carbon copy of someone else!
That’s why He made us all different, right? So there’s no reason to compare ourselves!
Love that line about the three C’s and the three D’s. I’ll have to check this one out.
Thanks for visiting Leigh!
THis sounds like a fantastic book!
It sure is a great book, Anne!
Hey Valerie,
Thank you for another great book review!
This looks like a really good book. I may have to check it out.
I’ll be sharing it all around over the next couple of days.
Hope you are having a sweet Tuesday!
Melanie
Thank you for sharing the review, Melanie! You are a blessing!
I like the part about the 3 Cs leading to the 3 Ds… such an easy way to remember such important truths!
Thank you for stopping by Samantha!