Thoughts for another day

May 9, 2014.

Today's verse:  Rom. 9:15, 16. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further.  Thanks)

If someone is a big man of God and I’m not then I feel jealous about him because I see the man is most blessed and he has a number of people approaching and seeking his guidance and counsel.  I find his finances much better than mine; and not only that but as a person is he far more happy and forth coming than me, which rankles me even more.  This can cause me sleepless nights and great angst and jealousy may tear at my inwards, just because I find someone more established than me. 

But what about me?  Well I too am more or less well established and in a reasonably good position.  My family is well off and my children in good positions, etc.  Yet, when I see a person better off than me, I become jealous and seethe inside.  This is so common in today’s world and everywhere you go people talk to you about it; either they’re jealous or they find someone else jealous who wants to cry on their shoulder.   When I was working in a large organization, I realised I wasn’t paid as well as others who were junior to me and much less capable, all because of the fact that I’m rather vocal on matters of principles.  My colleagues told me that I must raise the issue; but by God’s amazing Grace I just shut up and even thanked the HR head for giving me a small nominal raise.

Sadly, no one reflects on the fact that it is God’s elective plan by which a man may have more success than another.  No matter what area of life one is to touch, whether studies or anything else and importantly if it’s a ministry; success and its quantum is determined by God.  We must acknowledge that God is in control and He will never deprive us of our normal dues.  Even if I’m not working or doing anything to subsist but relying on Him to take care, He will do it regardless of whether I work or not.  It’s our job to just trust the Lord, for it is all His plan.  We cannot complain or behave insolently because of what we feel is wrong.  We must remember that God is Sovereign and it is up to Him whether to show us the mercy we don’t deserve, or not.  Eventually, by His Grace, when we accept His plan for us, happiness will be ours and our hearts will shine forth revealing His Glory.