“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” - Matthew 20:13-16
Envy! Jealousy!
Why did he get that? Why her and not me? I’d say this is the conversation of children--but as adults we think the same things! We look all around and question why God gave that one more opportunities, more stuff, special relationships. It’s not fair!
In this passage the owner of a vineyard hires some people for a day's wages and they work all day. But they are unhappy that he hired others throughout the day and paid them the very same amount--even though they worked fewer hours. “I worked 10 hours for $100 and he worked one hour for $100. That’s not fair!”
I know that feeling too.
And what if you’re the one who has more?
The Bible tells us that there is a master plan that God is working through for the salvation of His children and within this God has a particular plan for each of us.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and
pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with
all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. - Jer 29:11-14a
So let me ask you:
What if . . . to fulfill your particular destiny you need to live the life you are living?
What if . . . your journey has its own unique and beautiful destination?
What if . . . you were able to focus on God and give thanks for what you do have?
How would your life and attitude and peace of mind be different?
Here is a prayer to help us on our journey out of the “what ifs” and into the peace thankfulness brings:
Lord, thank you for the blessings that you have given me. Thank you for these 5 things: 1____, 2 ___, 3 ___, 4 ___, 5 ___. Please forgive me for looking at what others have and feel dissatisfied with my own life. Reveal to me the direction that I am to go and the plans that you have for me. Help me to keep my focus on You and off of my circumstances (or those of others). I love You, Lord. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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