Celebrating the Success of Others

Have you ever thought you worked harder than someone else but received less reward?

The Lord appeared to a hardworking farmer and granted him three wishes with the condition that the Lord would give his neighbor double his gifts. The farmer agreed. His first wish was for a hundred cattle. Immediately, he received a hundred cattle, and he was overjoyed until he saw that his neighbor received two hundred. Next, he wished for a hundred acres of land, and again he was filled with joy until he saw that his neighbor received two hundred acres. Rather than celebrating God’s goodness, the farmer felt jealous and slighted because his neighbor had received more than he. Finally, he stated his third wish, that God would strike him blind in one eye. And God wept.

One thing for sure, we don’t know why life appears to go better for someone else. It’s better to trust God and lean not to our own understanding. What makes it easier for us to look at someone else’s misery and say, “Except for the grace of God, it could be me.” In those instances, we choose to feel grateful. The same way we look at someone else’s misery and feel grateful, we should look at someone else’s blessings and celebrate with them. Gratitude is the best response. Gratitude always changes one’s response to the experience. Gratitude takes away feelings of resentment and removes chips off shoulders.

“Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by God’s power. And, everything is for God’s glory.” (Romans 11:36, TLB)

The above post is taken from my book: Living Water for the Thirsty Soul: 365 Stories of Hope Health and Healing found: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732039615