When Others Prosper

by Aug 16, 2013Devotional2 comments

Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

      When others prosper, do you get Jealous? 
      Years ago, my nine years old son and I were watching a TV sports report about a basketball player who had just landed a very big and lucrative contract. My son turned to me and said, “Wow dad Isn’t that just wonderful for him getting that deal?” I had just received a lesson from God through my son. My son was rejoicing in the prosperity of others. There was no jealousy or envy in his statement, it was a genuine joy for the blessing that another person was receiving.

     I heard Gloria Copeland say that we should be happy when others are being blessed because that means the blessing line is moving and your turn is coming up. Eze. 34:26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.
     Cain would not deal with his jealousy and envy toward his brother Abel. Prov. 14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. The jealousy and envy within Cain caused him to strike out and kill his brother. Gen. 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 
      The fact was that Cain could not rejoice in the blessing his brother was receiving from God. He would not humble himself and learn from God and his brother what was acceptable as a sacrifice to God.
     You might say that I am using an extreme example, but I say not at all. The news is awash in articles every day of people overreacting to jealousy, envy, and malice to the point of committing robbery and homicide. 
     We read in the book of Ester how Haman, because of his jealousy toward Mordecai, caused incomprehensible decisions that eventually got himself hung on a gallows because of an envy he could not deal with. Ester 3:5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. 
      Not only did his jealousy get himself killed, but he also got his ten sons killed. Ester 9:14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons. Talk about wrecking havoc on your family over a jealous and envious spirit.

      God asks us to rejoice in the blessings of others. Deut. 26:11 And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you. We are created in the image of God and He rejoices over us and knows the true peace that comes from seeing us blessed. Zeph. 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. 

      The Lord’s agenda from Genesis to Revelation is to bring us to a place of pure righteousness and blessing. He speaks blessing and prosperity over us and we, therefore, as His children should bless and rejoice in the prosperity of others because we are imitating our heavenly Father whose nature it is to rejoice in His love for us. 
      The next time you see someone getting something you have always wanted, just say, “Isn’t that wonderful” and realise the blessing line is moving and you might be next. Bless you much!

2 Comments

  1. sirnorm1
    sirnorm1 on August 16, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    Thank you for sharing your testimony and your kind words.

    Reply
  2. Anonymous
    Anonymous on August 16, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Love it! It's the way we got our house. While paddled by with my kayak one day seeing this stunning place in the best region of the Okanagan, on the best lake in the Okanagan and on the best spot of the entire Kalamalka lake. I remember I blessed them not knowing that a year after we would move in . Yes brother you are sharing the truth that sets free. Blessed be your blogging!!!

    Reply

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