A Prayer for When You Covet Another’s Success
By: Alisha Headley
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” - Matthew 9:37-38
Have you ever wondered if there is room for you? Maybe you feel compelled to start something new or pursue a new path, but there are already so many who have proven their success before you that space feels limited. Perhaps you have had a dream tucked in your heart from the time you were young, yet you see someone else doing something similar and it seems to diminish your large dream into a much smaller one.
I can relate. In the past few years, I left my career to pursue what I felt God was calling me to: women’s ministry. I began following other women in ministry, their blogs, reading their books, and their social media platforms. More often times than not, rather than be inspired by their work, the enemy crept in telling me lies that their ideas are better than mine. That they already were doing the work needed, so there was no more room for me. That opportunities were scarce. That their success is already proven to be far greater than mine. That the work for me is limited.
This is what Jesus reminds us is the first part of today’s scripture: “the harvest is great, but the workers are few…"
Be encouraged by this passage. The harvest is great, not small. Others' success doesn’t limit ours. We serve a God that has unlimited, abundant opportunities He has placed before us. To write. To speak. To serve. To create. To dream big. To be and become.
Don’t be entangled any longer in the enemy’s lie that everything is scarce and seeing another person’s success as better than yours. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
The truth is: there is an abundant need in the world for YOU. The world is just waiting to hear from you, and God wants you to partner with Him in Kingdom work here on earth. He created your voice for specific people that are in need of your specific work, your gifts, and your calling.
The second part of this passage says to “pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
Oh friends, how assuring to know that we can pray to the one in charge of endless opportunities. He will make a way for your success and equip you and only you for the specific assignment He has for you.
Dear Lord,
We thank you for the reminder in Scripture that there is plenty of work; that the harvest is plentiful. Thank you for creating us with only our unique voice and purpose. We don’t have to feel left behind by the success of others. Instead, help us to cheer others on.
Thank you for choosing to partner with us to help advance your Kingdom here on earth. Today, I’m asking you to continue to bless the women around me in similar assignments as mine. Change my heart to have one of love and encouragement, rather than doubt and covetousness. Forgive me for believing the lies the enemy has discouraged me with telling me that opportunities are scarce.
Thank you that we can pray to you, the one in charge of the harvest and ask you to send us into the field. Father, keep us focused on you and continue to stir in our hearts a passion to make your name known. Please infuse our hearts with the truth that this world needs our exact voice and the exact skills you have blessed us with. We love you so much.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Alisha Headley is a writer and speaker who has a desire to meet the everyday woman in her everyday life with biblical truth. Healing from a chapter of life consumed with lies she once believed about herself, she is inspired to point women to Christ to experience the freedom and power to overcome those lies with the truth written in God’s word. Alisha is a proud wifey and dog mama living in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can follow her blog by visiting her website or connect with her on facebook + instagram.
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Originally published Friday, 01 October 2021.
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