“If I regard inequity in my heart the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18).

At times we can become frustrated with God, because we feel like our prayers and request for things go unanswered. Sometimes we are full of bitterness and resentment because it seems as though other people around us are progressing.

We have to be sure that our desires are in alignment with the will and purpose of God. If our desire is to measure up to other people, then are these desires from a place of purity? We have to remain focused on walking our own path and maintaining an eternal perspective. The desire to measure up to other people can take us off course.

Let us look in Genesis 4, at the outcome of envy and jealousy between two brothers. Both Cain and Abel brought their offering before God. Abel brought the best of what he had while Cain gave out of convenience. God was pleased with Abel and accepted his offering while he rejected Cain’s offering. The result was anger from Cain towards Abel. God questioned Cain about his anger and told him that if his offering was a good one, then it would have been accepted. Either way, Cain could not shake off his jealousy which led to resentment, rage and then murder (Genesis 4:1-8).

When we are truly living to fulfil God’s plan and purpose, when we are walking according to his will, then our gifts will make room for us. God created each of us with a unique design and purpose. He has invested unique gifts and abilities in us to accomplish his purpose and his will. David said, “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvellous—how well I know it” (Psalm 139:14)

Envy, jealousy, rivalry and competition is a waste of time and can be dangerous. I don’t believe that Cain intended to kill Abel, but unhealthy and toxic emotions can lead to destruction. Don’t strain to look at what other people are doing and stop comparing yourself to others. Very often we are envious over a perception and based on what is going on for us, it can make it seem as though everyone else is having an easier time. We don’t know people’s personal struggles and some people are good at masking difficulties. Just because someone’s life seems perfect does not mean that it is. Everyone of us are waiting for something which has not come to pass yet. As long as we are alive, we will have at least one unfulfilled desire.

Be content with your lot and trust that God has a good plan for you. If you walk in obedience to God and be faithful, then there is nothing good that he will hold back from you. Trust in him and he will lead and meet your needs.

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

Published