About the Author

Karina Allen is devoted to helping women live out their unique calling and building authentic community through the practical application of Scripture in an approachable, winsome manner.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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Comments

  1. Thank you for addressing a very real problem for me and saying it so well. Perhaps the young girls are not seeing what you have to offer at this particular time but in the absence of their understanding, you have touched my heart.

    • Ruth, you just blessed me so! Thank you!

      It is a real struggle that I think we often feel ashamed of and so we avoid it and don’t talk about it. I want to bring these feelings into the light so that Jesus can heal them and transform them into feelings that glorify Him.

      Praying that your identity is found solely in Christ. Blessings to you sister!

  2. WOW!!!! this really hit my heart, Karina. I felt like that was me talking….except I was still focusing on the ‘green’ and not seeing our amazing Lord and His words. Thank you so much for posting this devo, and if that was your life, thank you for sharing. I am trying forever not to be envy or compare myself, and I slip all the time…you are InCouraging, thank you

    • Joanne! Bless you!

      This is very much my life right now. I try to remind myself often that God is all about process. He is patient and kind with us.

      May you see yourself as Christ sees you, uniquely created for purpose and destiny. May you embrace His call on your life and not be distracted by those around you.

      Thank you for sharing!!!!

  3. Karina… I needed this word. Thank you so much friend! You are a blessing and you inspire me! LOVE and HUGS from SC!!

    • Thank you DeAnna! And Amen!!!

      This is right where I am living these days! It’s hard and messy but God is sanctifying me daily. Praying that He continues to show you His purpose for you!

      LOVE and HUGS to you from La!!!!

  4. This is such an excellent article, thank-you Karina, for being transparent with us to share how you feel, that takes real courage. I appreciate the advice and your insight on this topic..so many of us can relate to what you experienced. You are an awesome writer.

    • Thank you Cathy for your kind words! The Lord would not let me be anything less than transparent. I have found that is when he works best…when we are honest about our feelings because He knows them anyway.

      May God usher you into His glorious plans that He has uniquely designed for you. He is faithful and patient and loving.

      Blessings to you!!!!

  5. One method I’ve used to combat envy is by blessing the person (prayer is a great place to start) who has what I desire even when I might not feel like doing it. Then I thank God for blessing that person. It’s a sacrifice…and one He honors. On a side note, while green used to be my color, and is no longer, grey is now my color of choice. Because love does it’s best work in the grey area’s. When life gets messy and people (myself included) make poor choices, love has the opportunity to step in and make the most difference. So Grey is my reminder to act in love no matter the circumstances. Nice work Karina!

    • Love that Sarah!!!!

      I think I might start wearing some grey! Prayer and celebration go hand in hand. It’s a beautiful dance that the Lord is very willing to join in on.

      Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you!

    • You are so welcome Doris!

      My you always fix your eyes on Christ and the lane that He has placed you in. He purpose for you are unique and well thought out. May God bless you as you cheer on those around you.

      Thank you for sharing!!!!

  6. Good stuff, friend! Thanks for being so transparent. We live in a society where comparison and competition are THE way of life, and it’s so hard when you’re not the one “winning.” I love the example you gave of running a race and looking anywhere but ahead. Your honesty is inspiring! Keep on keeping on and focusing in THE PRIZE!

    • Thank you friend!!!!!

      God won’t let me get away with being anything less than transparent! Yeah, I often feel like I am not the one “winning”. I tend to move behind the scenes in not a flashy, boisterous gifting. I love how God created me, but in the natural, it can be hard. I can get distracted if I take my eyes off of the goal of Christ. Praying that stay focused on Him and His work that that He created for me. I pray that for you as well my friend!

      I love you! And thank you for sharing! Blessings to you!!!

  7. Karina,
    In this day of social media it is so easy to get caught up in the envy trap. One thing I do is make a list of all the things (big or small) that I am thankful for-or a worry I don’t have. In that way I see all the blessings God has bestowed upon me!
    God has given us each different talents to use for His kingdom. If we use them wisely we should advance His kingdom and help more people to come to know Christ!
    Blessings 🙂

    • Beth, I love that!

      Counting our blessings definitely changes our perspectives and strengthens our call to further His Kingdom.

      Thank you for sharing!

  8. Thanks so much for this post. It’s so good to know that I’m not alone in my struggles with being ok with me no matter how “me” looks compared to others. Sometimes I find I get annoyed with another person for no really apparent reason, in particular with the people I spend the most time with. I think deep down, it’s because I feel like the person is thinking too highly of themselves. like they don’t understand “their place”. Of course, in the ugly dark spot in my heart, that really has to do with where I find my own value, and my selfish desire to be better than others. Yet the Bible tells us to consider others better than ourselves. Your reminder to build eachother up to good works is a convicting message for me today. Next time I start to turn green, I will choose to encourage instead. For all of us, our “place” is as a loved, beautiful, and gifted child of God. What a world we would live in if we could all see ourselves that way and take joy in the way God made us! I will aim to build that into the people around me. Blessings!

    • Jessica! Sorry it’s taken me so long to respond! Thank you so much for sharing!

      You are most definitely not alone sister! I get annoyed easily too! That is partially why I am glad that I have many friend circles. I have to be uber intentional in not letting myself turn green and to celebrate my friends that I can become jealous of.

      Know that I cheer you on in your journey to build that truth into others. It is a beautiful thing!!!!!

      Blessings to you!!!!