Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’ Matthew 20:15 (NASB) 

I have a confession. The parable of the laborers in the vineyard hits hard every time I read it. I often have a difficult time understanding God’s generosity, especially on days when I feel like I’m getting the short end of the stick. Have you ever asked God for “the right thing” – whether it’s healing for a family member or a blessing over a particular career/relationship path – only to find out that someone else in your life has received that particular blessing?

I can’t lie and say it doesn’t affect me when other people receive the precise gift that I have been asking God for. Like the laborers, I turn to God and grumble about how discouraged I feel about His decision to be generous with others. The good news is that the Spirit knows that it’s very unhealthy for me to harbor this kind of resentment and jealousy. So being a good dad, God intervenes.

I’m a work in progress. God is teaching me the beauty of waiting at the foot of the cross while gazing at love Incarnate. In this refining process, I am face-to-face with the humility of Christ on the cross. Though Jesus asked for a different path (Luke 22:42), in perfect obedience He submitted to God’s Will.

My challenge is this: let your prayer requests be even more unabashedly outrageous because of a newfound intimacy with Jesus. With His grace, learn to hold your desires loosely knowing that your requests are heard. Rest in true satisfaction knowing that a loving and generous God knows all the desires of your heart! 

Jesus, please forgive me for all the times that I struggle with Your generosity. Forgive me for seeking satisfaction from things apart from You. Jesus, I want to continue learning how to truly embrace the Father’s Will. Teach me to be more present and engaged with the blessings of today. Amen.

Are you struggling with unanswered prayer? Perhaps you Need a New Outlook in Life.

Take Action

Instead of harboring resentment towards someone else’s blessings, take some time today and thank God His generosity. Would you look at a way you can Pay It Forward? Bless a stranger today!