Tracey Duffer (right) poses with her future sister-in-law, Hannah Schools, at the February “More than Ordinary” women’s ministry event.
A Guest Post by Tracey Duffer
Tracey Duffer is the wife of Dustin Duffer, the mother of Novah Jean Duffer, and the daughter of Audrey Haden and the late Keith Haden. She is the daughter-in-law of one of the original Girls, Nancy Duffer. Along with her full-time job as a wife and mother, Tracey is works as an LPN and will be graduating as a RN in May, 2020. She is a talented singer and musician, as well as a beautiful young woman who loves the Lord and her family.
Around October of last year, I found myself in a very dark place. I questioned my faith. I questioned whether I was good enough to be a mom, wife, daughter, nurse and much more. I questioned why I was even alive.
It was a scary place.
When I took my daughter to a Halloween Trunk or Treat, I saw an old high school friend. She raved about how great I looked, how skinny I was, and how much she wished she could be like me. As I walked away, I thought of how jealous I was of her! She was happy, not riddled with anxiety and depression. She had such beautiful, radiant smile, one I wished I could have mustered up during this time.
Despite that struggle, today I am in a much better place. God has given me so much peace. He has allowed me to soar in areas I never imagined. I am proud of that low moment because I understand that I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t experienced that.
Here’s the point—there is always another side to the story. The only acceptance that should matter is from the Lord. Unfortunately, there are so many times we are so focused on what we don't have that we miss sight of what God has given us.
So, how can we remain present and thankful? How can we get through tough times of anxiety and depression? These are the things that helped me. I think they can help you too.
Focus on the things God has provided.
Be thankful.
Don't be envious of others.
Remember to lean on God in those dark times.
Know and trust in His Word. (See list of verses below.)
In the Break Free from Comparison devotional, the author states, "Comparison steals, kills and destroys our minds and our hearts. Because of this, we see comparison as a tool of the enemy. Your enemy hates you and will stop at nothing to diminish the life of God in you, the full and abundant life He promises. When we give in to comparison, we give the enemy a foothold in our lives and can’t experience all that God has for us."
Remember this! God is making all things new, and your breakthrough is coming! You are worthy because of His love and grace.
some of Tracey’s favorite Bible verses
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” Galatians 6:4
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart lie." Mathew 6:19-21