Do you wonder if you’ll ever experience the success you hope for? Do you find it difficult not to be jealous when God seems to bless others in their efforts more than He blesses you in yours?

You want to be glad for others, but you can’t help wondering when it will be your turn to be recognized. If you’re a pastor, when will your congregation grow? If you’re an architect or engineer, when will others appreciate your designs? Or after years of struggling to pay your bills, when will you be able to take your kids on a real vacation?

As someone with big dreams, I can relate. But could it be that our view of God’s plan is often short-sighted?

First Peter 5:6–7 (ESV) helps me gain the perspective I want:

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Visualize God’s hand as a canopy over you as you cuddle in His protection. Ask Him to help you trust Him as your Lord (the boss of your life) and, especially, as your loving heavenly Father.

These same verses from 1 Peter in the Amplified Classic Edition of the Bible say that God cares for us affectionately and watchfully.

Don’t you love the way God loves us?

When we commit our dreams – and disappointments – to the God Who loves us, our relationship with Him (and our faith in Him) becomes our priority. As hard as it may be to accept, sometimes our expectations aren’t His plan for us, or at least not yet. Can we be okay with that?

How might shifting our focus from, “Why isn’t God blessing my efforts?” to, “Lord, I give You my life for Your pleasure and purpose” change our outlook and help us serve Him more effectively?

This different perspective might help the pastor who prays for a bigger church realize that spiritual growth within his congregation is more important than attracting more people. The same goes for the architect or engineer who wants a bigger client list. Both overlook the impact their Christ-centered work could already be having on their current clients.

And for the mom or dad who wants to treat their children to a few days of fun, helping your children see God’s faithfulness, especially during lean seasons, will benefit them in ways you can’t see right now. 

Wouldn’t we love to peek behind the curtain to see our Father’s pleasure when we serve Him at our job, in our ministry or at home with a pure heart, especially when we don’t receive any recognition?

And then imagine how much greater His delight will be when we continue to trust His timing and love for us as we congratulate and pray for those who are already enjoying their hard-earned success.

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

• How would our lives change if we completely trusted in God’s sovereignty over all our dreams and expectations?
• How would it change us if we did everything for His glory rather than for our own?

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