Why am I not succeeding at work? Is it envy or God's punishment?translated

Reader’s Question:

Greetings. Can people's envy cause things not to work out? At work, there is a female colleague whom I interact with. I want to share my plans and ambitions, but I feel that she envies me and whenever I come up with something, it doesn't succeed. My husband was transferred to be a master, and now he regrets agreeing to the transfer; it has been very difficult for him. I think she has hexed me out of envy. I got hired because my husband talked to management. She is employed informally and knows more than me. I am afraid that she might undermine me, but I try to push such thoughts away since she interacts with me, drinks tea with me, smiles at me, and sometimes gives advice.

Marina

Answer from the Priest:

Rev. Victor Nikishov,

May God bless you!

No, God does not punish you for your sins through this woman or through your husband's failures. God is not vengeful; He does not send a spiteful woman to ruin your life. He is Love, and He allows difficulties not as punishment but for our enlightenment and strengthening.

What you describe (that she hexed you out of envy) is pagan superstition that the Orthodox Church does not...