Have you ever worked around someone who just really tried to make your work day a little more difficult? I have learned that God puts people in our path to sometimes test our faith or build character in us.
When I first went to full time patrol a few years ago, I was placed on third shift with a female Lieutenant as my supervisor. This particular female Lieutenant did not want any other female on the force with her. When I began her shift she looked me straight in the eye and said "You will never out do me, I will out run you, out shoot you and there's not anything at this department your going to do better than me" I replied "that's okay, I'm not competitive and if you can out run me that's fine because I really hate running". She told me she was competitive and that she busted her butt there to prove females can do this job and wasn't going to have me come behind her and destroy that. She told the other officers on the shift that they better not "baby" me. Therefore I only got back up if I asked for it. If I went in to eat with them, they already had filled the booth where there was no more room and I would sit behind them in a different booth and eat by myself. So sometimes I had other officers from other agencies come and eat with me and then it went from isolation to my Lieutenant starting rumors that I was now cheating on my husband. I felt like I could not win for losing. She was critical on any paperwork I turned in and then second-guessed me on decisions I would make on calls and tried to make me look incompetent. She would call me in for counseling and correction about small things, and then tell me to sign on a piece of paper where she kept documentation of all of my mistakes. I felt totally isolated and angry. Every night there was always something I did wrong. I got so bitter at her that I would turn my police radio off on the way home so that I would not have to hear her voice at all. I dreaded going to work. I could go on and on about our battles with each other, but you get my point.

My husband finally told me "You worked so hard in the police academy and college to get this job you always wanted and now you hate even going to it". Well, he was right. So one night I was in bed watching T.V when a preacher came on. I heard him talk about not letting the devil steal your joy everyday. He said, "This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it". I started thinking about that and realizing I was going about this supervisor thing all-wrong. First of all, I was showing anger and a rebellious attitude towards her and not Godly Christian character. That was a big problem in itself. I started listening to Christian tapes and good uplifting Christian music in my patrol car to keep my focus on the Lord and stay encouraged. I decided instead of getting angry and asking God why, I began to ask "Ok, God, what is it in ME your trying to teach me?" I purposed that no matter what she did or what happened that I was going to submit because regardless of whether I liked her or how unfair she was, she was still placed over me as my authority. 1Thessalonians 5:12-13 says "12 Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you, your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you.13 And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
I also knew that God's word says to pray for our enemies to be blessed. Talk about a hard one! Regardless, I knew that I needed to swallow my pride and rebellion and be obedient to His word. I really didn't mean it at first but I would grit my teeth and quickly just say "God bless her". I really wanted to ask God to curse her and give me justice! But, I prayed for her to be blessed instead. When she would correct me about something, I would say "Thank you for telling me and helping me be a better officer". I was saying that not to be sarcastic, but with a good heart, because your attitude is very important!

I went to work with a newfound wisdom and joy in my heart. I started to love my job again and smile and be happy. I didn't take anything she did personal anymore; I just let it slide right off my back and gave it to God. Every time she did something to make me mad, I'd pray for God to bless her. Before long my prayer became sincere and my bitterness faded. It didn't bother me to hear her voice or anything anymore. God began to enlighten me that she was a miserable person with emptiness in her life. I began to see past her "tough" exterior and see that she was completely insecure. Her competitive spirit was just a need to prove things more to herself than anyone else. She was single, lived alone, never had children, was despised by most everyone she was around and lived through her job. I actually began to feel sorry for her because what kind of life is that? Her work was the only thing she had. It opened my eyes to a lot and changed my whole perspective. I finally got a clue about what God was teaching me. First, to learn to be humble and submissive. Secondly, to pray for those who offend you and learn to love them because Christ loves THEM just as much as He loves YOU.
After changing my attitude, it was only two weeks later I got transferred to second shift. I was under her authority for a year and I think God was just waiting for me to learn what He was trying to teach me. God was willing to keep me there no matter how long it took to teach me that lesson. You see, when God is trying to mold you or teach you something, you can try to avoid the obstacle or get away from the person but you will run into that same personality again but with a different face. You can't run from what He is trying to teach you but you can make it last longer than He intended if you are stubborn enough. So if you're working with a difficult person, keep in mind there's probably more to that person than they appear outwardly. Pray for God to bless them and honor their authority. Show Christian character and "kill" with kindness. Learn what God is trying to teach you.
1 Peter 2:23 (Amplified Bible)
23When He was reviled and insulted, He did not revile or offer insult in return; [when] He was abused and suffered, He made no threats [of vengeance]; but he trusted [Himself and everything] to Him Who judges fairly.