Daniel 6:3-4 NLT
Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn.
In chapter 6, we now say goodbye to the Babylonians and hello to the Medes and Persians. That’s great news, but opposition never ends. There’s always a price to be paid for leadership in any field. A person who has been blessed by God with success often pays for that success.
Jealousy. It’s been around since the beginning of creation. Cain was jealous of Able. Saul was jealous of David. The disciples were jealous of one another. Here, Daniel has been elevated, and the “devil” of jealousy begins to plot.
If you’ve never had anyone jealous of you, you could think, “What’s the big deal?” I get it. I used to think the same until I saw the devastating effects on people close to me (and myself). Interestingly, the people who were jealous were always very mature Christians with their own strengths, callings, and powerful opportunities given by God. However, they were demonically enticed to believe someone else was in a position they deserved and for which they were more capable.
Proverbs 27:4 says, “Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?” Why? Because when we stand against jealousy, our insecurities rise to tell us the assailants might be right. “Maybe I’m not the right person for this leadership, and someone else would be better.”
Settle this today. To be raised up by God will also mean someone will be jealous. The question is not, “Who is more capable of doing this ministry?” The question is, “Who did God call to do this ministry?”
Daniel knew who he was and Who had called him. So do you. Pray for those who would carry envy towards your calling. Take your own thoughts captive, and resist the demonic attempt to make you quit. Stand strong!
Prayer
Holy Spirit, come! Strengthen us with the power to resist the devil. We resist the demonic spirit of envy and jealousy. We will not carry it. We will not bow to it when another carries it into our lives. Give us a discerning Spirit, and empower us to fulfill our calling, in Jesus’ name!