“Don’t Give the Enemy the Keys”

Breaking the Grip of Comparison & Reclaiming Peace

There’s a quote that deeply challenged me this week, one I couldn’t shake:

“Satan doesn’t even own the keys to his own house. Don’t give him the keys to yours.”

If I’m being honest with you, there are moments in my own journey, both as a creator and as a woman simply trying to reflect Jesus, where I’ve handed over the keys without even

realizing it.

Not through obvious sin or rebellion… but through comparison.

When Comparison Becomes the Key

Comparison doesn’t always feel like a spiritual battle. It often feels like scrolling. Or observing.

Or quietly telling yourself someone else is doing it better.

• “Her business is growing faster.”

• “Her post got more engagement.”

• “She’s so much more creative.”

• “Her marriage looks happier.”

• “I wish I was that patient with my kids.”

• “I’ll never be able to do that.”

Different women. Different arenas, but the SAME lie whispered: “What you bring isn’t enough.”

That’s when I realized…

Comparison is not just a feeling. It’s an invitation! One the enemy GLADLY accepts.

He may not have the authority to take over our hearts, homes, or purpose… but when we compare, doubt, and diminish our calling, we hand him the keys ourselves.

Ways We Unknowingly Let the Enemy Settle In

Let’s break down how this happens, not just in theory, but in everyday life.

1. Through Our Thoughts

Examples:

• After posting a tutorial or devotional, you immediately think, “No one will care about this like they do hers.” “This doesn’t look good or sound right”

• You walk past the mirror and instantly critique yourself.

• You see someone’s season of success and feel behind in yours.

Reflection Question:

What recurring thoughts have I allowed to speak over me that God NEVER said?

2. Through What We Speak

Examples:

• “I’m too old, too young, too shy, too set in my ways, too (fill in the blank)

• “I’m just not good enough at that.”

• I’m not ready for that”

• “I don’t know how

• “I’ll never be creative/organized as she is.”

• “I’m always overwhelmed.”

• “I don’t have time”

We may say it casually, but repeated words become silent agreements.

Reflection Question:

Have I spoken words over myself, my calling, or my family that I need to retract and replace with truth?

3. Through What We Entertain

Examples:

• Watching content that feeds comparison and dissatisfaction- Reality TV is a known intruder of this.

• Filling downtime with scrolling instead of speaking with God. I am guilty of this!!

• Listening to narratives that glorify hustle over wholeness.

  - Culture says hustle is the path to success. But Scripture says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1

  - You push past burnout because you believe rest is earned, not a God-given rhythm.

  - You tell yourself, “If I just work harder this week, next week I’ll slow down.” But that next week never comes.

  - You see someone post twice a day and go live every night, so you feel guilty if

  you don’t. This can lead to striving instead of Spirit-led effort.

Reflection Question:

Is what I’m consuming strengthening my spirit or shrinking my confidence?

* Ask yourself: Would Jesus sit beside me while I watch or listen to this?

4. Through What We Tolerate

Examples:

• We hold onto offenses because healing feels harder than resentment.

• We normalize schedules so packed there’s no room for God.

• We tell ourselves burnout is part of being successful.

Reflection Question:

What am I tolerating that is damaging my spiritual health or peace?

5. Through Silence

Examples:

• Staying quiet when we know God is prompting us to pray, speak, lead, or encourage.

• Fighting spiritual battles with natural solutions instead of worship, prayer, and Scripture.

  - If I just think hard enough, I’ll figure it out

  - Calling three friends before ever talking to God about it.

• - You distract yourself and hope the heaviness leaves on its own.

Reflection Question:

Where has silence allowed spiritual pressure to build because I’ve avoided speaking truth?

Taking Back the Keys

Comparison may be the enemy’s favorite strategy, but authority is still ours.

• Replace lies with God’s truth

• Replace fear with worship

• Replace worry with prayer

• Replace silence with Scripture

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14

A Prayer Over You (and Me)

Lord, forgive me for the moments I’ve handed over keys through comparison or doubt. Heal areas where I have not believed I was not enough. Remind me that who You created me to be, not who I’m comparing myself to, is exactly who is needed. Anchor me in truth and guarded peace. Today, I take back the keys. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Closing Challenge

This week, choose one of the following and commit to it:

1. Replace one comparison thought with a spoken declaration: “My value is not measured by outcome but by obedience.”

   
   

2. Take one action where comparison previously held you back. Post that content. Lead that prayer. Share your story. Start the project. Interview for the job. Volunteer to help someone.
   

3. Write this somewhere you’ll see it daily: “Only Jesus gets the keys to my heart, my home, and my calling.” Physically write down an old thought (lie), then tear it up, or delete it!! Speak Life and Jesus into yourself!!!

Final Word

Comparison tries to convince us we’re behind, or not good enough.

But in God’s timing, You’re right on schedule. Stay faithful. Stay grounded.

KEEP YOUR KEYS

I’m in this with you,

Lisa