Second Best: Do You Measure Up to Others?

Written By Betty Predmore

2 CORINTHIANS 11: 1-15

(September 9)

Have you ever felt like you just didn't measure up? You didn't feel as smart as the next person, or as capable of what you were doing. Inadequacy was your middle name, and you carried it like a badge on your heart?

That has been my situation on many occasions in my life. I just finished writing and publishing a devotional, but of course those feelings of inadequacy have crept in, making me feel like I have to compare it to others, and it won't be good enough.

We do this even in our marriages and our parenting. Our homes can never shine quite as bright as the Pinterest pictures of others. Our kids have stains on their shirts and messed up hair, and the next mom's kids look so well put together.

There are situations in every aspect of our lives where we can allow ourselves to feel second best, not good enough, and not capable enough. But the key word here is ... ALLOW.

We have the power in our minds to not allow these thoughts. (But sometimes we don't think we are even capable of that.) If we could all practice the mindset of Paul, we would have a lot more confidence in our lives.

Paul knows he is not a trained and experienced speaker. He had not attended in Greek schools of oratory and speechmaking. Many of the "false prophets" had attended these schools and they had polished their speeches so they could shine.

Paul didn't believe he needed the flourishing speeches. He was confident in his simple presentation of the gospel. Some people thought this showed that he was simple-minded. The "falsies" used this against him time and time again.

But Paul is confident in what he does because he knows who is leading him. He is certain that he will continue to do things in the same way, which will cause problems for the "falsies" because Paul speaks for free, when most of the others expect compensation. He will continue to undermine them and hopes to rid Corinth of them entirely.

Paul's confidence in this comes from knowing he is living out God's calling on his life. We will all do so much better in the things we do if we have the same mindset.

If God calls you to do something, he is going to give you the ability to do it. He is in control, and he will make a way. So, we should never feel like we aren't "good enough", and we should never settle for being "second Best".

In God's eyes, we are his favorite!

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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