Hello friend, welcome to Empowered Faith Media, where we share the perfect love of Christ in an imperfect world.  Have you ever prayed for something you wanted so badly, only to find that others wanted the same thing?  There was a job I wanted. Not just a job, a calling. It’s the kind of work that makes me feel alive, where I know I’d be helping my community in a way that reflects everything I believe in and why I stepped into social services in the first place.

This type of work is not new to me; I’ve been showing up for people since I was a little girl. My mama and I rode the city bus weekly to a nursing home, where she’d read the Bible to the residents, listen to their stories, and hold their hands. There was no fanfare, just presence, scripture, and love. My mother was special like that.

This job I prayed for feels like an extension of that little girl, that legacy, and my heart.

However, the truth is that I was not the only one who applied. The individuals vying for this role are good, kind-hearted, well-credentialed, and passionate.

I wrestled with the idea of losing over what is best for others.
How do I sincerely pray honestly for something I want without praying against someone else?
How do I hold onto hope for myself while still rooting for others?

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. You Can Be Confident Without Competing

It’s natural to want something and still have love for others who share the same desire. One thing the Lord reminded me of is this:
“A person’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.”  Proverbs 18:16 (ESV)

That means I don’t have to compete. If this opportunity is mine, it will make room for me. And if it’s someone else’s, I can trust that my room hasn’t disappeared; it’s elsewhere. God doesn’t run out of purpose.

2. Cheer Without Comparison

Comparison is a thief, robbing you of joy and choking your gratitude. I’ve started praying like this:

“God, if not me, then let it be someone who will do it with love. Let it be someone who hears from you. And while you’re at it, keep preparing my heart for whatever you have next.”

Paul said it best:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”  Romans 12:15 (NIV)
I can celebrate others and still believe my moment is coming. One doesn’t cancel the other.

3. Desire Doesn’t Disqualify Your Faith

Sometimes, we act like we don’t want something so we don’t seem selfish or worldly. But desire isn’t a sin, especially when it comes from a place of love and purpose.

“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
I’ve learned to lay my desires before God and let go of the outcome. It’s a holy surrender, not a denial.

I did not get the job, but  I still choose to believe what I’ve always known:
I am a child of God, highly favored, deeply loved, and protected. I did not get the job, so congrats to the person who got it. I won’t lie; it hurt. However, I then decided to share this with you, which was very helpful.

So, what do you do when you want something good that someone else wants too? You hope. You pray. You root for them. You root for you. And then you hand it over to the One who already sees the whole picture.

Until next time, my friend, take care of yourself and each other.

With peace and love,
Renee

Resources:

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