Don't Compare Wings

The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, though they cannot compare with the wings and feathers of the stork. (Job 39:13, New International Version)

Thursday, I had my appointment with the spine specialist. I didn’t have high expectations that this visit would magically heal my back, but I thought I should at least try it and see what they said.

I suffer a fair amount of anxiety, and this ongoing back pain has worsened it. As I was sitting in the car, trying to calm myself down before entering the building, I wished I had dragged my husband along for moral support. (He was more than willing to come with me, but I told him I got this.) But there I was, all alone. Not really.

Since it was too late to have anyone else join me, I decided to invite Jesus into the doctor’s office.

The staff person finished rooming me and asking me a million questions, one of which was, “Is your blood pressure usually this high?” And I was left alone to wait for the doctor.

I sat back, closed my eyes, and imagined Jesus sitting down in the chair beside me. And then I started in on myself.

Why was I even there? I already had my mind made up that this doctor wouldn’t help my back. And so what? So many more people were out there with problems more significant than mine. Sure, it hurt to walk, but only 75% of the time, but I could still walk. What about paraplegics? What about amputees? Sure, they can walk 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, berating myself 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 ones that other believers are fighting.

I’m never alone, and God hears and answers all of our prayers. But today’s reminder is: You may have ostrich wings, or stork wings, or even eagle wings, but whatever kind they are, don’t compare them with others. They are your wings and yours alone.