Devotional #21       

“He Shall Exalt the Humble in Due Time!”

               What I’m about to tell you might be shocking to consider, but it is equally as true. I thank God for the benefits of my tough childhood; one being that I learned unquestioning obedience and service. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Thank God in and for everything, even for the trouble in your life. I’ve heard it said that He turns tests into testimonies and messes into messages.

My father expected instant obedience from me. I had to do so or suffer the consequences. When God became my heavenly Father, upon my acceptance of Jesus (his Son), I would more easily obey.  I quickly learned that obedience to a loving Heavenly Father has great rewards. Being so quick to obey saved me from a lot of heartache, trouble, and woe that others seemed to go through. Of course, I’m not perfect, but it was easier for me to be a servant to others. I learned that a life of service is so much better than one of selfishness. Selfishness never finds its fullness. On several occasions I found myself attempting to be self-serving or putting myself above others. Each time, led only to grief, and frustration.

              The Lord taught me early on to be like the one who beat his chest…not the Pharisee. Luke 18:9-14 reads: “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

                        God has always exalted me after moments where I was the most humbled. On one occasion the Lord gave me a prophetic word to deliver during a prayer meeting. Once I did so, the Pastor stopped the service and shared with the congregation that he and the assistant pastor had just discussed all that God had given me to say. He was astonished saying that what I had uttered was word for word what God had just said to them! He even asked me if I had been eavesdropping by the office door on their conversation. Once he believed I hadn’t, he called me up to pray for the church.

Any position of leadership that God had given me through the years came once I had been humbled.  Most importantly, leadership and exaltation, you will see, is only for service; never for personal glory. 

See It for Yourself: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Luke 18:9-14, Romans 8:28, 1 Peter 1:21-23, Psalm 75:5-7, Mark 9:33-35

Prayer Focus:         

Dear Lord,

I give thanks to You, Lord, knowing that You will work all things together for my good and Your glory. If I humble myself, You will exalt me in time. May I be a servant who lives to bless others for You!

In Jesus’ name. 

Amen.

Working It Out: 

Give thanks to God in all, for all! 

Trust and humbly obey.  

If you are called to leadership, then serve! 

Give God the glory and He will honor you in due time!