“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
Psalms 127:1

Notice, he didn’t say people can’t build without him, they can build but it will be all for nothing, just like this man laboured for nothing:
“…a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:26-27
God never gave the idea that people can’t seem to be elevated and making progress outside of his leadership and instructions; they can look like their lives are being built up at every level but at the end, it’ll be all for nothing.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
He wants a different outcome for your life, he already has an expected end for you and he wants all that is about you to be substantial, impactful and eternal and so never compare yourself with others, instead compare how much of God’s word you sound and act like, 1 Peter 1:23.

Bible Reading Plan: Nehemiah 1, 2 Chronicles 6