After years of discipling Caleb by himself, Mark was dismayed to find out that a church leader had assigned another mentor to the young man. The leader remarked, “Finally, Caleb has a mentor.”

What did they think I was doing all these years? Mark wondered. Though he had not expected any reward or recognition, he couldn’t help feeling hurt.

Years later, however, Caleb told Mark that he had entered Caleb’s life just when he most needed spiritual guidance. On hearing these encouraging words, Mark came to this realization: God gives believers in Jesus specific gifts to serve Him differently—without comparing with others—and He controls the timing.

In 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, Paul stresses the value of members of the body having different gifts, roles, and assignments, while remembering the ultimate source of the results: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (3:6).

Each of us may be given a unique season and opportunity to do God’s work. Unlike people, God doesn’t compare our work, for He loves us as individuals. May we keep our eyes and hearts focused on doing our best in the season that God has given us—relying completely on His strength and empowerment—and not worry about what others achieve in their own way and time.