If God has called you to be like Jesus, He will draw you into a life of self-denial and humility. God’s call will put such demands of obedience on you that you will not be able to follow other people or measure yourself by other Christians. At times others will do things which He will not let you do.
Other Christians may push themselves forward and work schemes to carry out their plans. You cannot, and if you attempt it, you will meet with failure and rebuke from the Lord.
Others may boast of themselves, their work and their successes, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin, He will bring you to despise yourself and all your good works.
Others may succeed in making money, but God may keep you poor, wanting you to have a helpless dependence upon Him. Then He will demonstrate His love for you in supplying your needs day by day.
The Holy Spirit will watch you with a jealous love. He will rebuke the petty words and feelings. Make up your mind that God is sovereign and has the right to do as He pleases with His own. He does not owe you an explanation of these mysteries.
Settle it that the Spirit may use you in ways He does not seem to use with others. Remember that God does everything in perfect love and wisdom.
Adapted from a tract