You must work hard and invest yourself in the things that are important to you if you want success. Whether that is a ministry, business, or relationship, you must sacrifice and pay your own way. Your hard work helps you appreciate the blessing when it arrives. You will not easily jeopardize something you have sacrificed for.
The zeal, effort, and dedication it takes to accomplish something are what move you up the steps of life. As you journey upward, others will find you offensive. They are offended at what God has done for you. They are jealous of your success and the your fruitfulness of your ministry. They are “Cain’s children.” Cain’s children, like their father Cain, will murder you because you have God’s favor.
Watch out for them.
Even though Cain had the same opportunity has his brother Abel, he became jealous of God’s favor on Abel – as if it was Abel’s fault! Abel sacrificed appropriately and was therefore accepted of God. Cain, through self-effort, thought he should ascend to the top. He was rejected by God.
They will not rejoice with you. They cannot be glad for you because they feel like your success came at their expense. Like Cain, they foolishly believe you have their blessing. No diplomacy can calm a jealous heart.
They WANT what YOU’VE GOT, but WILL NOT PAY what YOU HAVE PAID!
Yes, they are Cain's children. A spirit of jealously has taken control of their lives.
Sometimes relationships will be lost as you travel upward. As long as you are in the day of small beginnings, you are accepted. As you accelerate into new dimensions, cynicism eats away at their heart and it finds its way into their conversations. Jealously eats them alive.
Cain’s children will invite you into their field to destroy you. Don't take the bait.
Jesus said, “And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household” (Matthew 10:36).
Some people will never be happy for your success. Be blessed anyway.
Promotion comes from God (Psalms 75:6-7 KJV).