They say that God humbles us in different ways. For some, through seasons of trying. Others may be reaping the consequences of their past actions. It could also be through pruning.
Pride has been a struggle for humanity since ancient times. It is part of our human nature. Lucifer’s pride was his downfall. Moses pride was his weakness. Nebuchanezzar’s pride led him to lose everything.
What does pride lead to?
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
No matter its form, pride ultimately leads to destruction. And God’s mercy and grace won’t allow us to end our lives in destruction. Perhaps His kindness leads you to humble yourself before Him, and that’s an experiential truth.
When God humbles us, what does this humility teach us?
- It teaches us not to rely on ourselves but on God.
Self-reliance is the number one killer of humility. When we start to rely on ourselves to accomplish everything, we pause. I admit, though it may seem negative, I am an opinionated woman. I am always confident in what I do and what I should do. But as I grow in my faith in Christ, I have begun to understand that whenever I don’t feel nervous or when I don’t pray, I know I am depending on myself. Many times, I already know what to do and forget to ask God for help. Instead of feeling elated, I feel bad because I know I am relying on myself again. Whenever people tell me that they are not confident or that they feel nervous about something, I always tell them, “That’s better, because it’s not you who will make it successful, it’s God.
- God can use whatever circumstance or situation to humble us.
When Moses went ahead of God and killed the Egyptian, God used that situation to humble him for 40 long years. When I became sick and almost died, He used it to humble me. You see, He can use any circumstance to lead us to humility. It varies from person to person, but the result is always to align our hearts with God.
- He redeems us for His glory.
When God humbles us, He also redeems us for His glory. Moses learned to humble himself by depending on Him, so through Him, Israel was freed. When Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God, he acknowledged God’s sovereignty and honored Him.
“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” Daniel 4:34-35
God gives grace to the humble.
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
Pride focuses on “self” while humility is anchored in Jesus, our God. It fades when humility and faith take its place in the life of a believer. Humility may seem to be one’s weakness, but in the sight of God, it’s delightful.
May God bless you!
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