The Write Territory by Tina Yeager

The Write Territory

by Tina Yeager

“So that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends”

(2 Corinthians 10:16-18, NIV).

After delivering a message at a women’s ministry event, I descended from the stage to greet members of the audience. One precious lady took my hand as I passed by her table. She thanked me and offered well-intentioned feedback.

“You could be the next—” The woman named the most celebrated Bible study teacher in the industry.

I held immense admiration for the author she mentioned. I had centered classes on her curriculum more than half a dozen times. Pride goaded me to accept the compliment and imagine I could mimic this successful leader. Shame threatened to prove I would fail.

I hesitated for the span of a breath. The compliment hovered in the air, spinning with temptations to sidetrack my identity.

“I appreciate your kindness.” I smiled at the sweet lady and gently patted her hand. “But the Lord only made one [specified author] and I can’t become her. I’ll have to content myself with being me.”

The pressure dissipated from the atmosphere around me. I drew in a deep breath and experienced a sense of relief washing over my body and spirit. I prayerfully thanked the Holy Spirit for rescuing me from losing myself and my way.

The snare of comparison may reappear in my path on occasion, but the Lord delivers me. He reminds me to remain faithful to the identity and purpose he has authored for me. And resist the distractions of measuring my mission by others’ marching orders.

Instead of seeking approval in another servant’s territory, I have determined to serve Jesus in mine. May the Lord bless my fellow writers and speakers to reach regions beside me, beyond me, or before me. I will focus on conveying his blessings in the fields he set before my feet.

Lord, thank you for your faithful guidance. Please continue to help me avoid distractions, including those of comparison. I depend upon you for my identity and work. So I turn to you as my only hope for focus and fulfillment. You alone can provide the approval that will satisfy my soul. May everything in my being and doing bring honor to you and you alone. Amen.

Award-winning author, speaker, life & purpose coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast a YouTube channel, and the Flourish Today radio show. Founder of Divine Encouragement Academy, she serves with STRUCK the Series Streaming TV show and Word Weavers International. To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.