One of the enemy’s favorite tactics is to use people to throw stones at you while you’re on the rise. Whether it’s through gossip, false accusations, or outright slander, those fiery darts are designed to distract you from your God-given purpose. But don’t let the enemy’s jealousy manifesting in others knock you off course.
The truth is, people only talk behind your back when you’re already ahead of them. Jealousy is as cruel as the grave (Song of Solomon 8:6), and often those who can’t bear to see you rise will try to pull you down. Don’t let their envy stop your ascent. Promotion doesn’t come from man—it comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6-7).
Stay focused on your calling.
When Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, his enemies mocked him and tried to distract him from his assignment. They plotted against him, but Nehemiah knew the power of staying focused. He declared, “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3). You, too, are doing a great work. You don’t have time to come down from your assignment to engage with naysayers.
The enemy will use anyone available to sow seeds of discord and stir up jealousy, but greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). God has called you to ascend, and no voice of the enemy can hold you back unless you allow it.
Let God be your vindicator.
You don’t have to defend yourself. You don’t need to fight back in the flesh. The Bible says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). When they speak ill of you, when they slander your name, remember that God is the Righteous Judge. David knew this well when he said, “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity” (Psalm 26:1). Keep your integrity, and let God vindicate you.
Keep ascending.
Not everyone will celebrate your promotion. In fact, the higher you go, the more opposition you may face. But this is not the time to slow down or give in to discouragement. God is your shield and the lifter of your head (Psalm 3:3). Let Him lift you higher as you keep pressing toward the mark of the high calling (Philippians 3:14).
When people talk behind your back, remember: they wouldn’t be talking if you weren’t already ahead. Stay the course, let God deal with your critics, and keep ascending in His strength.
