When people want what you have, but have no idea the price you’ve paid to be where you are… I’m talking about ministry.

They see your position and crave it, and jealousy and envy rise up. They lash out, either at you or about you. What they did not see, is what you had to go through to reach where you are. They did not see the battles you fought, and the times you wanted to lay down your weapons and armor and quit, give up and lay down in surrender; but God brought you through. They did not see the loneliness and rejection you have endured, the brokenness and pain, the tears you cried. All the times you were ridiculed or mocked for taking a stand for what you believed. They do not know about the times you felt forsaken by everyone, even God, as you walked through the wilderness that taught you about God’s faithfulness. They do not know the hardships of life you have endured, that make you the strong and determined person you are now. They did not see the fear and torment that tried to consume you, that wore you down to the point of crying out to God to just let you die.

No, they only see what they perceive as the glamorous side of ministry. Being out front, in the spotlight that you didn’t ask for, but was chosen by God to fill the position. They see the position and want the recognition, but do not realize the warfare you face daily. They do not see the behind the scenes work and labor you do, the weekly preparation involved for the ministry. The hours you pour over scriptures, and music, and meetings, and practices. The sleepless nights when you pray and question why God chose you, because you feel inadequate.

They say they could do it better. They say they could sing better, or preach better. And they are probably right. But have they given themselves completely over to God, and said, Here am I, send me? Have they laid down their own desires and asked God what He desires for their life? Have they served in the background, doing the tasks that get the least recognition, year after year? Have they been content to not be recognized, or even see someone else be recognized for something they’ve done. Have they put others before themselves, preferring their brother or sister, and celebrating their accomplishments and promotions?

Jesus did not come to sit high and mighty and look down on His subjects. He came to be the lowest of all- a servant. He cared about the people society deemed unworthy- He ate with the tax collectors, healed the sick, the lame, the lepers. He made a balm out of dust and spit. He rescued the woman the spiritual leaders wanted to stone. He went out of His way to reach people who were considered outcasts, and not to be spoken to or associated with . His disciples were fishermen. He was born in a stable where sheep and cattle slept and were fed.

He bent down to write in the dirt. He knelt before His disciples to wash their feet. He walked the long, dusty roads, going town to town, showing compassion to all He met. He cared about the children, that others thought He was too busy for. When the crowds that followed Him were hungry, He fed them.

The person you see in ministry, holding that position you want, standing on that stage, teaching that class- they didn’t just get there by chance. They were called by God, and He took them through a rigorous training process. He had to get their focus off of themselves, so they could point others to Christ.

Do not be jealous and stir up trouble about that leader. They need your prayer. They are standing up there in front of a crowd of people- some like them, but most are judging them, just waiting for them to make a mistake, to fail. Do not be envious, and try to tear them down thinking you will gain their position, because God will not allow that. His strong hand protects those He anoints and puts in position. Instead, start asking God to show you His plan for your life. Give yourself completely to His will and His way. Pray, less of me and more of Jesus! Ask God to take you, make you, mold and shape you. Will it be easy? Probably not! Will it be worth it? Absolutely!

The Bible says, in James 4:2-3,6,10 AMPC 

[2] You are jealous and covet what others have and your desires go unfulfilled; so you become murderers. To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned. You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek, so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. [3] Or you do ask God for them and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is when you get what you desire to spend it in sensual pleasures. [6] But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace continually to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it). [10] Humble yourselves feeling very insignificant in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you He will lift you up and make your lives significant.

If you want to be used by God, then humble yourself and ask. Study and learn all you can in the area God calls you. And serve, serve with a joyful heart the leaders He has placed you under. God will condition you for the position He has for you! It’s a process and He will do it in His time. If you sincerely seek Him, He will do it. Don’t try to make it happen or do it your way- trust Him.

And to you, the one whom God has already placed in a position- when a person rises up in jealousy towards you, know that it is not the person who is coming against you, but a seed of deception and a lie from the father of lies. He will plant seeds of jealousy and envy and if people are not careful and mindful of his tactics, they will become tools used by the enemy. Pray for those who rise up against you. It is not you that they attack but the Spirit of God that dwells in you. Love them, even when it is hard. Count it all joy, and know that you are doing something that the enemy feels threatened by. Press on! Remain faithful to Him who has called you. He will fight your battles, hold your peace! Be mindful of the Spirit of God, speak when He says speak and hold your tongue when He says hold your tongue.

Opposition will come. Stand guard! Keep your shield of faith raised to stop all the fiery darts of the enemy. For the weapons of our warfare, they are mighty through our God- quick and powerful! He will deliver- stand still and see the salvation of your God!

Welcome to ministry!