Shannon and I drove to Sturgis yesterday. For some reason we started talking about rodeos and the rodeo way of life. It isn't a cheap life. It costs a lot to be a barrel racer or a roper -- not that we have experience with it. But we know what gas costs and horse trailers, and horses and big trucks to haul the horses around with and then you have your tack and your entry fees and usually expensive clothing. It is a whole lot of money. God leads many people into that area of life -- lots from around here where we live. And every single person God leads into rodeo is there for His purposes.
You can say the same thing about any business and community and socio-economic levels. We as children of God are called to be content wherever He puts us. We aren't to envy other Believers. Maybe you know someone who is wealthy and is a Believer. Maybe you sometimes wish you were wealthy. When you or I or anyone wishes for a different life than they have we are missing the point. We are missing the work God has given us to do for Him right where we are at. There are people everywhere lost and going to hell. There are lonely people everywhere. Do you know how powerful it is to see a Believer who is content in his or her life? Especially a life with struggles? It is powerful!
Don't waste time comparing your life to someone else's. You do not know what they struggle with.
In The Message Translation, James 1:5-8 says, "If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get His help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who 'worry their prayers' are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open."
Later James reminds us, "Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don't count on it."
James 1:21b says, "In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life."
In Philippians Paul says he "learned to be content in all circumstances."
This we all need to learn. Do it now. Ask God to help you. And then ask Him to open your eyes to see the ones who are hurting and the ones who are lonely near you. Go visit them. Or, invite them over for cake. Cake is always good! Or pie. Who doesn't like pie? People crave a bit of kindness. They want to know God sees them. You can help them remember He does by just sharing a bit of what He has given you.