But WHY Are They?

     This is the first of the weekly post that will occur each Wednesday. All previous post share from the beginning of our story to where we are currently. Thank you for all the support! It means so much! 


First topic: Jealousy 

      So my husband and I are going through a Bible Study together (FamilyLife Bible Study for Couples), and a couple weeks ago we read about King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19, and how he faced disaster at the hands of invading Assyria and turned to God for his rescue. What did God do? He erased the Assyrian threat. This is what really stuck out to me in our study, the authors had friends say this quote to them, "When you reach a very difficult time of testing in your family- What an awesome opportunity to see God work!" Wow! Do we go through difficult situations with this outlook? 

     After answering questions about this topic in our study book, we start discussing one thing that has made this journey hard...jealousy. 

     In a conversation with my husband after we finished our study, we were discussing how it seems like everyday we get on social media and BAM....someone else is announcing their pregnant. Through this discussion we talked about how it can be so hard to be excited for someone when they have what you want. Yes, it is hard. However, we can't compare where our lives are at to someone else's life. We have to stay focused on God! Stay focused on living a life that glorifies him in ALL circumstances! 

What does the Bible say about jealousy or wanting what others have? 

Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife; nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey; nor anything that is your neighbor's." 

Proverbs 6:34a For jealousy makes a man furious. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 

When we talk about jealousy, most just say "Oh, it is human nature." It is of the world that is for sure! Does jealousy show that we are not satisfied with what God has given us? I know that I am not anywhere near perfect, but jealousy is something I do struggle with. I think it mostly just comes from not understanding our own situation, that we look at others and desire what they have. With the Holy Spirit guiding us, we must be a light of love even in hard situations. Love does not envy. 

Dear God, 

  Thank you for being love. Thank you for teaching us what love is through your scripture. It is so overwhelming sometimes to think of the unfailing, everlasting love you have for us. Thank you for your grace that picks us back up when we fall. I pray for all who are facing jealousy, no matter what situation it is coming from; infertility, marriage, lust, addiction, family, etc. I pray for their heart to be renewed in the Holy Spirit! AMEN