Hey, Sweet Things! I am back to my desk for the first time in almost a week and a half! It was called “Time Off” and I savored it like I do the last foamy sip of a grande dry cappuccino while I’m patting on the bottom of the cup. At first I was just going to stay home for the whole week since Keith couldn’t leave town right then and neither could my main running buddies, AJ and Melissa. Then, my coworkers, Sabrina and K-Mac, conspired on some possible flight arrangements, hotels and even show times if I were willing to take a jaunt to New York City. Last Tuesday, I mentioned it almost in passing to Keith and Lis and both of them said, “GO!!!!” So, I did! I couldn’t even believe it myself. I had plenty of frequent flier miles so the flight didn’t cost one red cent. I called a friend whose daughter happened to be at church camp and she was able to drop her schedule like a hot potato and meet me there. We landed within an hour of one another on Thursday afternoon and hit the ground running. I bet we walked 12 miles in Central Park over our 3 day/2 night stay and talked a hundred miles an hour. It was such an immense treat.
THEN, I flew home on Saturday evening in time to spend the last few days of my vacation with my family. We had our Bayou City Fellowship core-group church service Sunday evening (we open to the public September 11th!!! So exciting!) THEN the biggest thing of all happened: JACKSON STARTED KINDERGARTEN YESTERDAY. Amanda and I had planned for the last several weeks to spend that day together so I headed over yesterday morning and stayed until he got home from school. We made memories that I will treasure in my heart forever and replay in my mind about a zillion times. I am not going to go overboard on it right now because I’m hoping AJ will send me some pictures so I can share them with you. If you’re like me, you don’t just want to hear about a big occasion. You want to see it. SO, hopefully I’ll be able to pitch you a few pictures really soon.
OK, so change tracks with me because I’d love to hear from you about a subject. I’ve been thinking about what a gift a fresh humbling can be. Needless to say, I don’t like one any more than you do. In fact, I can’t think of many things I like less but, if we’re Biblical thinkers, we can have a whole different perspective when a humbling comes. In fact, if we really assimilated what the Scriptures say about it into our belief systems, we wouldn’t wait to be humbled. We’d go right ahead and humble ourselves as fast as we could. Why? Well, for starters…
Luke 1:48 says that God is mindful of the humble state of His servant, so we’re especially full in His mind in our humble condition.
Matthew 11:29 says that Jesus was humble in heart so, with fresh humility, we’re vastly more reflective of the Savior. And, at the end of the day, that’s what we’re doing here.
1 Peter 5:5 says that God opposes the proud but He gives grace to the humble, so, fresh humility not only puts us on the same side of the situation as God (note to self: never a good idea to invite God to oppose you), it also drops open the invisible hatch over our heads till we’re buried alive in grace.
1 Peter 5:6 tells us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and trust that He will exalt us at the proper time. Of course, seeking to humble ourselves so that we’ll be exalted is just pride playing dress-ups but here’s the bright side of the proper vantage point: Sometimes when God humbles us, it’s because He is preparing to exalt His Name through us in some elevated capacity. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
So, I was just wondering: When was the last time God really humbled you? Second question: Has enough time passed for you to get some insight from Him regarding His purpose for it? If so, let’s hear it. Limit your responses to a good, meaty paragraph so we can read as many of them as possible.
I’ve missed hearing from you! Testify, Girlfriends! You are so loved and appreciated here.
God has been all over me about not creating a name for myself. He told me to quit looking at the stats on my blog to see if anyone was reading what I wrote. He said that He won’t compete with me. A pure heart won’t write for God’s glory and then see if I have followers for my own glory. He told me it is the same as King David taking a census to see who was a part of his kingdom, when really, it wasn’t his kingdom at all. It is a very humbling place to be…especially to recognize my inner struggle in wanting to make a name for myself.
Becke, God has convicted me in that very same area of my life. So much so that I completely stopped writing for a time. (That says a lot because I LOVE to write.) Anyway, I’m still trying to find a balance because I want my writing to be used by God to minister to other women. But it has to be His timing, with His blessing.
He dealt with me the exact same way about singing! I claim to be praising Him but really I wanted personal praise- He cut me off. No singing for 7 years. S e v e n years..
Wow. Great reminder…thank you for sharing!!!
Oh my, I have struggled with the exact same thing. I wish I had never discovered that stupid stats button. But I agree with Melissa too, I want to know that someone is being blessed by what I write. I hate when the thought runs through my head, “if you post something, those little numbers will increase.” Very frustrating. There has to be a balance, but I am not sure what it is. BTW, the King David example with the census, very convicting.
becke, this so spoke to me that I copied/pasted it into my journal! thanks for having the humility to be transparent & share it here. 🙂
Arggh, humbled recently. I was accused of doing something I didn’t do and saying something I didn’t say. It is currently affecting multiple relationships and I am being forced to keep my mouth shut. Ironically…watched session 7 of Breaking Free w/my girls last week where you mentioned you had been “quieted” by the Lord and unable to defend yourself. Part of the insight I am gaining is that I “may” have been idolozing my friendships. I’m also reminded of how prideful I am although I had believed a chunk of that had been healed. I’m still so broken and still so deeply in need of Him. I know that…but humbling experiences are great reminders. I hope my dross is floating to the top and he’ll scrape it off sooner rather than later. I want to be blameless and pure before Him. I do appreciate the reminders that He is my all in all. So happy for you to have enjoyed a great NYC adventure and Jackson’s first day of K.
YES! 4 years ago exactly this week. God humbled me in a literal and heart way. Short facts: unexpectedly divorced with 4 children – one an infant, took a tumble off a horse with the two year old, broke my wrist, hand and elbow. Had to be in a cast for 8 weeks – not a cute one either – my arm was bent and covered in horrible white plaster from my armpit to the end of my fingers. Of course, it was the hand I used to write and do everything else for the kiddos. Fast forward – two weeks and my sweet 10 year old took on Mom grooming duties (think on that as humbling). She sweetly shaved my legs and brushed my hair. She did an amazing job but was a touch slow and I would rush her a bit. Fast forward again – I got my cast off and it was evening time and that sweet servant girl came to me and asked me to brush her hair before bed (I used to do that BC – before cast). Well, I rushed and pulled. She looked me squre in the pupils and cried a heart cry as she said to me (I will NEVER forget), “Mom, I never pulled your hair. Not once. I did it that way so it would feel good for you and I thought you wouldn’ pull mine again. You always say to show your love and I tried, I really tried.” My eyes flooded with tears and I was so completely humbled by her acts of service that honestly, I hadn’t really thought of until that moment. It changed my heart and my relationship with God. He humbled me and taught me such a lesson – I gave my best to those outside my house and expected my family to take what was left – and get this, I expected them to be grateful and cheerful. VOMITPALOOZA. God got me good. Thank you you for the sweet reminder. That darling girl started public high school yesterday (always a private school girl until this year). I think tonight I will surprise her and blow dry her hair to remember the lesson. On a sidenote, do you think God uses hair in spiritual lessons outside of Texas!?!
This touched me deeply…. Thanks for sharing!
Adrienne
Wow! What a wonderful, touching story. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you have a very special young lady there.
Wow, what a story. I can see my own baby girl (11 years old) and me “pulling” her hair in a hurry to get it done. YOUR story humbled ME!
Oh Jabber jaws – i was totally touched by this. Thank you for sharing. I am so amazed at how your daughter had the wisdom and heart to model for you the behavior she was wanting from you. That is stunning and remarkable. So wise. Blessings on you all!
Thank you! Since real life happens, I didn’t get to love on her and blow dry her hair last night – I turned on a bathroom sink to soak a dress and forgot for 20 minutes. Instead, I got to blow dry my carpet. We have a hair date tonight. I can’t wait to do it and show her these sweet comments.
JabberJaws, I am laughing so hard at VOMITPALOOZA and loving your story. Thanks so much for sharing that!
This was a deeply touching story. It humbles me to think of the times I have done essentially the same thing. Thanks for sharing.
Your story humbled me. Just a stab in the heart that I really needed to hear today. Thank you.
Beth used hair in a spiritual lesson in her MN conference!
I love this!
Oh… tears on my cheeks. What a gift your daughter is. And what a lesson to be learned. Thank you for sharing from your heart.
Humility or embarrassment? Embarassment can often cause me to feel humbled but I rarely get embarrased when I first feel humbled!!! I think pride enters into the equation when the result is embarrasement but when humbled by a situation, I realize my inadequacy and look up and grasp God’s great right hand. It is my continuing prayer that I always feel humbled but never embarrassed!
Good to have you back Beth!
Love ya!
Betty M
A year and a half ago when I was in the middle of my blogging ministry, I received an email from a well-meaning sister who tore me down a few pegs. The email and what she had to say were devastating – quite honestly, it was completely unexpected and let’s just say not done in the most loving manner. At the time I was so angry and hurt that someone I did not even know or who even knew me would have the nerve to tear me limb from limb over a difference in opinion over a TV show. I enlisted my godly friends to pray for me as I worked through it. While the end result wasn’t so much about me giving up a particular show just because this person thought I should, it did end up exposing an ugly, ugly root of pride in my heart. I had been walking around thinking I was so untouchable and so righteous, and God set me straight pretty quick! I can’t say I am thankful for the method of my humbling experience, but I can say I am so grateful that God could use such an episode to correct me and get me back on the right path. I needed it for the next thing He called me to shortly after that. And still do, for that matter. 😉
I am currently in the middle of my humbling experience. Our infant daughter died this summer from complications of meningitis that she contracted at six weeks old. She was four months old when she died. And humbling doesn’t begin to describe it. We knew she was not long for this world about a month after she got sick, and walking through the end of her life (thankfully, with hospice aiding us) showed me the power and love of Christ more fully than any other experience I have ever had. We carried our daughter to the very doorstep of heaven and now must trust Jesus to hold her close. And while I’ve glimpsed some of what God is doing through this time in our lives, I know I will never fully understand it this side of heaven.
Stephanie, I am slack jawed. And so, so sorry. That is much more than humbling. That is devastating. May Jesus hold you so close.
I am so sorry, Stephanie. No words….
Adrienne
tears and prayers for you, Stephanie ~
I’m so sorry to hear this. Praying for you.
I’m so sorry Stephanie. So so sorry. I pray that you feel the Lord’s arms wrapped around you. May His comfort be so real to you.
Dear Stephanie,
God has actually used what you shared here today to totally humble me. I won’t go into details, but thank you for sharing this. God used your words to reach out to me. Praise His Holy Name!
And thank you, Beth, for throwing this subject out there for us to comtemplate.
Wow, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying.
Oh honey, so so very sorry.
Hugs, and prayers.
Jennifer
prayers and *hugs*
My heart aches for you Stephanie. God is so near to the brokenhearted Dear Sister, praying that you will feel His presence to the depths of your pain.
I am so sorry Stephanie. I pray that God would continue to hold you close and comfort you as only He can.
Stephanie,
Your post has humbled me. There are hardly words…..so so sorry.
Oh, Sweet Thing. May the Lord comfort and sustain you.
Dear heart – no words could ever express your loss! I am picturing your precious child holding hands with my little guy and skipping around heaven together! Praying for you tenderly …
Stephanie~
My prayers go out to you for your loss. I am so sorry.
I’m praying for you right now sweet sister. What an inspiration you are.
I think I’m in a season of being humbled right now. I’m on month six of fostering a teenager and her son (whom she gave birth to a few days after she turned 14 years old). I have a M.A. in Youth and Family Ministry; I mean, what degree could be more applicable to this situation? And I took care of five little girls before this, four of whom have mothers in prison. And I used to run an actual ministry for girls. Surely, I’d be prepared, right?
Um, wrong.
Just this morning, I came into my office at work and told my closest co-worker that I wish I could go back to the day I signed up to become a foster parent and punch myself in the face. I said it tongue-in-cheek, but there’s always a touch of seriousness behind jokes we make about our lives in order to hide some hurt or pain.
My reality is that it’s harder than I thought. The little boy can’t stand me because I represent rules and boundaries, the first he’s seen in his young life. The teenage girl often feels the same way about me, most commonly for the same reason (i.e. the rules and boundaries). Some days are good. Other days, like today, I have a little boy screaming profanities at me and a teenager giving me the silent treatment.
The humbling part is that there are plenty of people in my life watching this all play out, many of which may or may not be waiting for me to fail. Taking in the orphan through fostering wasn’t exactly a popular decision with many of my non-believing family members. I so wanted them to see goodness come out of it, but right now, I think all any of us are seeing is me and my experience, degrees, etc. being fairly useless at this point. It’s either all God from this point forward or nothing.
Truthfully, I’m kind of relieved it’s all on Him, if you know what I mean. I’m more than happy to step back at this point and petition Him to come in and do what only He can do in my little mash-up of a family.
Oh, Amy Beth. I so get this. I was POSITIVE that I could love a certain little boy to wholeness and I was wrong. But I still believe that God can.
Amy Beth, I am fostering a teen mama right now too {we are actually about to adopt her}. I work with teen moms and was one so if you need to vent please feel free to email me kmelissasmallwood at gmail dot com. I’ll be praying for you!
Walking this humble road with a four year old boy (adopted/FASD) right now and my heart is broken and my knees are sore. Praying for peace and maybe a bit of laughter? to come to you soon. Beautifully stated…the foster care punch…funny. Been there, but always go back…He IS bigger than all of this…Praise.
I am humbled quite continously in my marriage to my unbelieving husband. The times when I get sassy or not show love to him, I step back and realize I absolutely need to humble myself and stopy acting hypocritical! God continues to tell me that only His love conquers all, so I need to try harder to show love to my husband in order for my husband to see God’s love and grace (through me).
Welcome back Beth, we miss you around here!
Lisa I so agree with you….my husband is also a non-believer and it seems like the more love and respect (especially respect) I show the worse he gets. Still I know I must continue on and let God work!! He is working and I know it cause I love Him and I am his child and his promises are true and faithful!! Continue on dear Siesta…..
Oh Sisters! I just want to encourage you! My husband fell into a terrible addiction about 5 years ago. I was walking so close with God and he was walking so far away from him. He would make fun of me for doing bible studies, and would not allow me to do them while he was around on the weekend. I tried to do everything in my power to change him. I had the house cleaner, I got skinnier, I was nicer and then I got meaner. All in the name of bringing him closer to Christ! (Pride much?) But, finally God spoke to me and he said, YOU ARE IN MY WAY. I started living my life in the free liberty of Christ and asking God to fill me with HIS love for my husband. Every day I resolved that God’s grace is sufficient for me. I do not want to be my husbands God nor do I want him to be mine. After that, God started moving In y wonderful husbands life, including moving us to another state. It has been a long road that seems short now. 🙂 But he is now so happy (and a little jealous) that I am going to Living Proof Live this weekend in Salt Lake City! We are always going to face opposition in our faith and obedience. I now see that I had some good practice at walking by faith and not by sight. I can testify to Isaiah 43. We serve a God who is close, not foreign or far away! He sees you sweet sisters, and he loves your husbands. You keep battling for them! God is going to display his power to you!
Girls, I’m there too. My husband led me to the Lord 20 yrs ago, but for 5 yrs has lived as an unbeliever. Now almost divorced, I find it hard to always show him respect & be humble, knowing how many horrible things he’s done against me/our kids. The Proverb “a gentle answer turns away wrath” has helped me as I try to balance my right to dignity, and quiet humility. God is just. He’s got it under control.
2 yrs. ago we were having to pack up our belongings, but not all of them because we had to leave a lot behind, no room on the truck and move back to East Tn. While packing we kept telling God (I know) that we would only move back to one town and no further. Well, God allowed that to happened but we had to move in w/my sister’s family and we lived down in her basement (all 5 of us) for 6 months. We also could not find jobs in the big city we moved to and it was miserable and that is a HUGE understatement.
We were delivered from that season and the lessons learned, don’t get attached to earthly possessions or jobs or money etc… don’t put our security in those things BUT we are to put our security in God and GOd alone. Also, don’t tell God you are going to or not going to do something. He is Sovereign, He is God, period. Lastly, God loves us deeply and pours abundant mercy on us even when we have to be humbled.
Patty – I have been wondering about you for a long time I’m glad to see you post here! I know God has been faithful to you. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
GG2002
Judy Baggett
Hi Judy! Yes, God has been and is faithful to our family! I hope you and your family are doing well and thank you for your prayers!
In my last semester of seminary I started applying for jobs in full-time ministry. Over 100 resumes were submitted for a director’s position of a non-profit that is very close to my heart. I wanted the job very badly. In the interview process it came down to the final 2 candidates, myself and another applicant. The interview panel chose the other candidate even though she had no college education and they had advertised for a master’s degree candidate. However, they offered me a position as well, but at a fraction of the pay I would have gotten as director.(And the woman who beat me out of the job would be my boss.) At God’s prompting,(insisting actually) I took the position and for the last 2 years I have learned volumes from the woman who beat me out of the job. Clearly, it has been humbling- but it has also been a blessing that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss out on.
A couple years ago I left my corporate job to pursue what I felt was God’s call on my life. Aspiring to do great things for the Kingdom I knew that it would require humility and though I don’t consider myself prideful and arrogant I knew in my heart that we are often blinded to our own pride. So I began praying the following in my daily prayers. I’ve cut and paste this directly from my prayer journal I keep in a word file: “Create in me a humble heart – one that is tuned to your Spirit, ears that hear your instruction, feet that are quick to obey and hands that are quick to serve. A humble heart that is kind, gracious, generous and full of love for your people.” And yes I have had a few reckonings over the last several years but I think as a result of this prayer it has been less a smack aside the head and more of a my child this is happening for your good, it may be uncomfortable but do not worry. Your prayers are being answered.
Great journal entry, think I’ll write that down for myself also. Thanks for sharing, Karen. You are a blessing!
Thanks Joyce! So glad sharing could be a blessing and an encouragement.
I think the last three or four years have been humbling for me, in ways I still am not sure how to process. I really wonder why things had to get so low, and why I still don’t feel like I’m out of the proverbial pit just yet. I’m trying to be open to the lessons God has for me, but it’s just not making sense yet. I’m looking forward to reading what the other Siestas write. I don’t always comment, but this one is something I’m walking now, and I could really use the encouragement.
Kelly, I so can relate to this. I have known many years of God removing so much that I thought was important, and wished I didn’t have to live anymore. I won’t begin to describe what it’s been like. But one thing I have learned, and this from our dear friend Beth, was that in Isaiah, the desert we are in is also called (and this has completely changed my perspective and quieted my heart) “a place not sown”. In other words, for me at least this meant that I only need to sow God’s word into these situations, then they are no longer a desert. Let yourself learn to drink from His word all the time. Carry scripture verses on 3×5 index cards and take them out whenever you feel low. Keep adding new ones until you have an assortment. Then you may want to memorize them. They will comfort you and begin to transform your mind and literally furnish the rooms of your heart. I am sorry, I don’t want to sound like I have it all together by any stretch. I just have come to rely on His word whenever I can’t see… and that is a lot. Some seasons I forget that, but it has more than transformed many of my broken places. Hope you can take some comfort from this.
kelly, i would joy in coming along side you right now.
if you’d like to you can contact me at JLH224 at gmail dot com
Sunday night at church the Lord really humbled me with my attitude and how I let my pride get in the way too much. We are studying Job and looked at chapters 38-39. Here is a section of the passage to give you the gist.
Job 38:1-11 (NIV) – Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?
“Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place,
when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?
It was through these chapters i realized that I have forgotten who God really is. I have found that it seems lately I am demanding answers from the Lord and He needed to remind me of my true place. It was such a humbling and refining moment to be reminded of the true value of grace and the gift it is.
Wow, I needed to read this. I could hear the Lord speaking to me…as I do my daughter at times. My daughter is 7 yrs old & sometimes very prompt to tell me what she knows better than I! How often do I question the Lord about a season of waiting or a season without….when I think I know better. I was just humbled reading this! Thank you!!!
I had an awesome job. I was the boss, it was fun, I had good relationships with my employees, I loved it! Then my husband was transferred to Oklahoma. I have been unable to find a position that I could sink my teeth into, not to mention the fact that the money offered in these parts is about what I made in High School! So I began to volunteer and hold Bible studies. Even though I loved it I still felt humbled that no one thought I was worth as much as I did! LOL! I can look back now and see what a huge work God did in my life and is still doing. He has transformed me. I now enjoy being a grandma, leading Bible studies and cooking for my family. I had forgotten what was important. He just needed to remind me!
Lawan
Phil 4:8
Lawan,
Right there with you…we moved to Oklahoma and it was a life change for me also. We had lots of church friends and enjoyed living in Germany so much. Now, we are in Oklahoma also. I thought we need more friends, so I started a Ladies brunch, Bible study and a other activities and had the other church ladies help join in the fun.
Where are you at in Ok. if you don’t mind me asking? I’m in a small town of Cyril near Lawton. Thanks for your post.
So glad you had a nice vacation!
Been doing something new lately, and in it, I waver between being fired up about helping people and feeling helpless because I don’t have the answers. Trying to figure out my part/God’s part. Having a moderate anxiety attack about it right now. Sometimes I feel like I can’t do anything, but is that humility or just insecurity? Idk.
Not surprisingly, I’m overanalyzing it all, especially because I’ve been wrestling with Mk 11.24 (& James 1.5-8).
It was the day before my 45th birthday. My cousin had taken me to a doctor’s appt. and because I can’t get out very much due to an illness I asked if we could run an errand to a local craft store. While we were there we noticed the cutest reading glasses for only 2.99. I couldn’t resist a deal especially because I had asked for these for my birthday (that should be humbling enough). During dinner my cousin mentioned that I bought a pair for each room. After my cousin left, my husband told me he needed to talk to me. He gave me a lecture about purchasing anything on my birthday list. My teenagers had gone out to .99 cent stores while I was gone to my doc appt. to purchase reading glasses for me. I felt really bad that my husband was upset with me and I probably had disappointed my kids. I was surprised how upset my husband was with me. HERE IS WHERE I WAS REALLY HUMBLED….I decided to send a text to my cousin telling how upset my husband was, how he acted, etc. It wasn’t nice. I pressed send and walked out of the room. When I walked into the kitchen my husband was reading a text – the one I had sent to my cousin, except I had sent it to him by mistake. I instantly felt so convicted. My pride had made me hurt my husband. He was only trying to show me something I shouldn’t do. I know this seems very small but God used it to show me many things about myself and what needed to be changed. I guess the most important lesson (or bd gift) was using reading glasses into my soul.
Yesterday. I was positively humbled yesterday. I ended up sharing my marriage testimony (never done that before) to a woman who was hurting and who needed the encouragement that my God-glorifying, only Him story could provide. In that moment the Lord called upon me to take off the mask of “look at my perfect marriage and perfect life” and be real with someone in their time of grief. He showed me (and my sweet hubby after I told him what I had done) that it is in our brokeness and surrender (and humility) that He can be lifted high and that we can be relevant in this hurting world. When I asked my man if he was upset that I shared some semi-intimate details of our history he responded, with tears in his beautiful brown eyes, “Baby, I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” Wow! Fell in love with him all over again. And learned that this particular kind of humbling…ain’t so bad.
I am also in the midst of my humbling experience. Back in May of 2010, my husband left his full-time teaching job to pursue starting an internet audiobook business on his own. Though we felt the distinct calling from the Lord to leave teaching, the business has not prospered. New vocabulary words have included, but not been limited to: possible foreclosure, food stamps, medicaid, government assistance, and vehicular repossession. We are still not out of the woods as I continue to work part time, my husband continues to look for a job, and our business venture stagnates. Yet, what God has been teaching me through the refining process is He is still who He says He is, and nothing that I have had to give up was worth all that much in His eyes anyway. I’ve had to struggle with wondering how others see me, while learning I had a wrong perspective all along. We are all loved and cherished by our Heavenly Daddy, regardless of material possessions or the lack of them. God is still good and still on His throne!
Pam~~I understand. My husband was let go from a job he had for 24 years. A good paying job with good benefits. He was unemployed for 14 months and applied for over 300 jobs. He used out life savings to buy a business and it has been awful. The business is struggling to stay afloat. Everyday, we beg God to bring in money so we can pay the shop bills, pay our bills and of course tithe. We don’t know how we are going to continue on the path we are on. My husband has a tremendous amount of faith and he is sure that the Lord is going to prosper the business. It is very hard to have to tell our teen girls, “sorry, no vacation again this summer. Sorry, no new back-to-school clothes. No, we can’t go out for ice cream.” And if my ailing 95 year old grandfather passes anytime soon, I don’t know where the money will come from to pay for the gas to drive to his funeral. So I guess this is my humbling story.
Oh Robin! My heart aches right along with you as you mention the things you have to tell your teenage girls as I’ve had the same conversations with my own, (15 and 13 + our 11-year-old son.)I am praying right now for the Lord to provide exactly what you need and if the time is soon for your grandfather to go to heaven, that you will have exactly what you need to drive there. Sending a virtual hug your way!
Several years ago I lost my job of many years to a much younger and very attractive, vicacious woman. In retrospect, I could see that she had been positioning herself for the job for about 18 months – became buddies with the boss, left me out of key communication (that then made me look like I wasn’t prepared)and even lied about me. It was a very painful, embarassing, heartbreaking experience. I had worked so hard and was a committed, devoted employee. I had to rely on the Lord to lead me to another job in another city. Finding the new job in the midst of being devastated was tough – and wonderful – because I relied on Him.
i am mentoring a 17-year-old through a battle with anorexia. that girl can read me like a book. it is unnerving, really. if i try to soften a blow with a teeny little white lie she snaps, “don’t lie to me. i can take the truth but not a lie.” yep. keeping me on my face.
Beth, recently I was humbled by God’s Majesty…it was about 7:30 in the morning, when I opened the door to go to work, the brilliant rays of the morning sunrise came bursting through our neighbor’s tree, directly into my eyes. I paused, humbled by the beauty, I moved slightly to the right and I couldn’t see the sun’s rays, moved slightly to the left and I couldn’t see the sun’s rays, but as I returned to the center point, for what seemed to be several minutes, those rays shown straight into the eyes of my heart, and I suddenly became conscious of His Presence. I stood very still, almost frozen in time, actually not wanting the moment to end, thanking the Lord for the beauty He created, and for drawing my eyes and my heart to appreciate Him all over again. I shared my experience with a few people…they just laughed it off, kind of made fun of me for thinking it was anything special, but in the innermost part of my heart, I knew it was the Lord, I was totally captivated by the stunning beauty of those rays, perfectly symmetrical, glowing so intensely, I even spoke out loud saying, “Lord Jesus, Thank You, Thank You, You did that for me! Just for me!” The memory of that moment makes me yearn for more of His personal touch in my life, makes my senses truly alert, more attuned to God’s Majesty.
My women’s small group just went through an incredible experience where our leader was involved in some behavior that wasn’t permitted while leading a small group. Our women’s ministry leader heard of the behavior and requested our group leader step down until she could commit to stopping the behavior. Praise God, all has been worked out (after a very difficult week). However, since I am on the women’s ministry leadership team and in the small group, our ministry leader talked to me about my responsibility in handling these types of situations. I’ll avoid all the details but let’s just say it was a very humbling, eye-opening, yet positive experience that I will never forget. God really pointed out through this situation and a book I’m reading on Joshua that leadership requires action, not just occupying a spot on a team. He works in the most wonderful, yet difficult ways!
Vicki from Waco: Ooops, completely forgot to log in my verse–although I have already committed it to memory. Isaiah 40:31 NLT “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Hmmm… I think when there’s a season of “humbling” going on in my life, it sure is easy to chafe against it – instead of trusting that God is up to a good work – and I should let the Spirit do His activity in and thru and around me instead of feeling the angst of it. I’m been mulling over James 1:21 since sometime last week “…humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” I guess I’d never stopped to think “how” I accept the word the Lord gives. I just expect it – I don’t necessarily have a conscientious attitude of humbly accepting it. I’ve been much more aware of how my attitude is in receiving the Word the past few days – and the result is I sense I’m much more reverent towards the Lord and His Word – interesting…
Glad you had fun in the Big Apple (the rock and rollin’ Big Apple as of four hours ago!)
Warm in Alaska.
Yes! I was humbled and convicted by your most recent video post about the Proverb on getting annoyed easily. Gulp. I needed, but didn’t want to acknowledge, to hear that and was convicted of my actions. And, I will be put in the same situation again tomorrow and I am keeping that verse in my mind. THANK YOU!!
My half-sister recently unloaded 20 years of emotional baggage on me. I’m honestly still reeling from the whole thing and wondering how I could be such a monster in her eyes. I’m devastated that our relationship was a fraud and that rather than being honest with me all along she put up a facade. I feel like my pride allowed me to do and say things I should have known better and that I’ve been humbled in the most devastating and hurtful way possible. I’m to really sure what our relationship will be from this point. I’ve asked her forgiveness and given her mine, but I don’t know how to go forward knowing she’s seen me as a horrific person all these years. God bless you, Beth.
Well, I teach school and it doesn’t take too long before some child really lets you know the truth of any given situation. I asked my students to write anything they wanted about me good or bad. They were told before they wrote that they had amnesty and I would not hold anything against them. I just needed some direction so I could help them a little bit better. One little girl put on the card, “You don’t have to act like you’re all of that because you aren’t.” I still have that card somewhere in my classroom. When I’m getting a little too big for my britches, I pull it out and read it. Really, the lesson that the Lord taught me through that little note was that there are many, many things that you can learn from a child and it’s usually the unvarnished truth. Each one of them matters and your actions really do impact their lives. It taught me to consider what I say and do carefully and I am grateful. This lesson has served me well many times both in and out of work.
Dear Beth,
I was thinking of you yesterday, smiling to myself and saying a little prayer knowing Jackson would be starting school soon and that the sentimental tears would be falling. Little did I know when I was praying for you it was the exact day. God is good.
Recently God brought someone into my life who was a wonderful blessing and encouragement. I made the mistake of taking my eyes off Jesus and looking to this person to fill a place in my heart that only God can fill. I even had the audacity to say to God I want this person instead of you. I found out quickly that is just not something you say to a jealous God. Within days He brought a sword and severed that relationship. Since then I have bended the knee, more like got on my face and humbled myself before my God. I must say my time with Him has never been sweeter. Love ya Beth. I am honored to be your sister. M
Hi Miss Beth,
I have been/am being humbled… yesterday, today, and possibly continuing in the near future. (I guess until I’m “humbled”)… my family invited a friend of ours to live with us while getting on her feet. She decided that it was best for her to leave our house. All the details invovled have made it a humbling experience… The Lord has equipped me with His Word as He takes me through it. Romans 12:9-20 and 1 Peter 4:7-9.
Humbled.
And thankful.
Love, Taylor
I asked God to humble me in January and He has not disappointed. I fell at a conference away from home and during the busiest time in our teen mom ministry, I have been laid up with 3 surgeries in 4 months, complications and physical therapy. God showed me that He does not NEED me and that is humbling!
Well, just today I sat at a picnic table (while camping with my family) for 2 hours while my husband combed and picked lice out of my hair. I shared with him that I still desire (14.5 years of marriage later) for him to find me lovely and perfect…and that clearly does not involve lice. But his monkey noises while doing it lightened my heart and we had a great time while our children watched a movie (yes, I camp in a trailer…my in-laws are camping next to us, and they have a tv; leather recliners, too. I’m more of a “glamper” – glamour camping)
Well, I am facing a rather big work decision. My boss wants to promote me to a harder, more time consuming position. However, the compensation is barely anything additional at all. I have been questioning it and trying to negotiate to the death to try to get a better offer. I have prayed. Partly I wonder if God wants me to take on anymore. I can barely keep up with what I do now! But, I googled good old Beth Moore for advice and I read all about humbling myself! It seems to be the major theme in all my devotionals right now too. I’m thinking this is God telling me something!! Ya think? 😉 I know the world sees price tags and $$ but God never puts a monetary value on my head and for that, I am very appreciative. He loves me regardless if I have a big head or not, but He loves me enough to help me recognize it and submit it to Him. I also read that Jesus was a simple man who led a simple lifestyle. If I am to model Christ, I need to think and act like Christ. I’m not sure if I’ll take this position or not, but I will continue to seek God and align my decision with His Will, because I believe He knows best!
My most recent humbling experience (cuz I’ve had plenty!) started 6 months ago..long story. Basically, we were flying along doing what we thought was right (namely me teaching school, doing a thousand things at church, in process of adopting a foster child, etc.) when God stopped me dead (ok, not dead, but almost) in my tracks. I started having panic attacks/anxiety (due to sleep deprivation & stress) and they became debilitating. It was aweful!! I had to quit my job (after taking 6 wk leave of absence and still not well) and everything at church. There is so much to tell, but I’ll stop there.
When you wonder if you are going to ever recover or be “the same” again..it really changes your priorities. As I began to recover, I was so very content with my little family of 4 and all the little things we often take for granted. But also, I felt the Lord’s conviction and was deeply broken over my sin of: 1. Trying to do too much! 2. I was depending on myself instead of leaning on God and trusting Him. 3. I needed to be working at home instead of outside my home–my kids are in 6th & 10th, but still God wanted me home and I was rebelling against that. 4. Being a support to my husband doesn’t mean I have to volunteer to do 50 things at church, my first priority (apart from my relationship w/Christ) is taking care of my husband, children and home..I could go on.
I am a minister’s wife so my “experience” was known by many people and that in itself was very humbling. Our adoption was pushed back many months, but we are now moving forward again.
Sorry that’s more than one paragraph!
Love you and your calling to us crazy women! Our God is good and faithful and His humblings are always (in my experience) evidence of His grace and love to bring us back to Himself.
Sheryle
Just to know that Jesus our Lord and Savior died on the cross for my sins and He has given me the freedom to live for His glory__has humbled me.
There were areas in my life that were handicapped; mentally, spiritually and emotionally. He took all that and set me free. For so long, I wanted to feel secure, the love and acceptance, not feel selfish and alone. He overfilled my cup with His sweet presence. It fills me with tears to think He cares enough to take time to listen to my prayers and fill my life with so much joy and peace.
Another thing that is humbling to me is while doing Bible study, God surprised me with more ladies! I told them Satan did not want me to teach “When Godly People Do Ungodly Things” and He had told me I was not worthy to teach this. But, I prayed and ask God to help me. Later,
someone told me that two of the ladies who needed this lesson, while others thanked me for teaching. In fact, they have opened up so much and we have a greater bond together as women. So, thank you Beth!
Not to be overly dramatic, but I feel like I’m humbled every day since becoming a mother four years ago. My last BIG humbling moment was about a month ago when I realized (duh, the Holy Spirit writing it in neon sharpe) that I’ve been judgemental of other mothers and how they parent. Didn’t think of myself as that kind of person because I ALWAYS struggled as a mom, but I realized it when my 22 month old son was showing signs of speech and behavior delays and needed Early Intervention. I judged mothers in the past who’s children were like that, assuming that THEY are the ones doing something wrong. No, I was wrong.
I’d rather be humbled than God letting me stumble and hurt others with my pride and arrogance. If you ever get a chance, read a short, rinky-dinky book called “Humility” by Andrew Murray. AWESOME, old book full of “meat”.
I totally agree. I have four kids and number 4 keeps me HUMBLE. Over ten years ago, I had a mommy friend who struggled because her child was a biter. I thought but didn’t say that would NEVER happen in my house. Can you guess what happened? Number 4 had the sin gift for BITING the dickens out of people. To make it worse or maybe better, he would flash his teeth and then bite. I spent several months telling that blonde biter to put up his teeth and to stop showing his teeth. Truly humbling and not funny until he got over it. God took a bite out of me on that one and honestly, I am so glad he did! Life is much more authentic and real when you judge less. And, I sleep better!
Thanks for the book suggestion. I will read it.
we went on a mission trip to guatemala back in february (my husband has since gone back in july and we’ll be going together again next feb!). i knew, going into this trip, that i was going to see and do things that i had never before imagined. i knew it would be life changing. and boy howdy…it was! the two most humbling experiences i had were in a special needs orphanage and in a small village close to antigua.
as we sat in that orphanage, rocking those precious children whom we had unstrapped from wheelchairs, i remember asking one of the nurses how old the little girl was that i was holding. her tiny body fit right in my lap and her little face lit up every time i stroked her hair. i was completely shocked when the nurse told me that the little girl was nine years old. NINE! i would have absolutely believed she was 4 or 5. i remember just thinking how blessed i am….my children are healthy, they have a family who can take care of them, and they don’t have to be rocked my strangers. yet this little girl smiled so big when she heard music played, had her neck tickled, or you just said her name. so heartbreaking and so very humbling.
and then, on a small village basketball court, we were doing a children’s ministry. playing games, doing Bible studies, having snacks with the kids. a few of us girls realized pretty soon that there were no “facilities” anywhere near us. our mission director spoke with a local woman who lived in one of the shacks right next to the courts. she agreed to let us use her restroom. in fact, he said that she’d be offended if we didn’t! as we walked into this home made out of scrap tin and pieces of lumber…into a home with dirt floors, no furniture, and an alcove that had a toilet hidden by a makeshift shower curtain, i was once again humbled. this lovely woman had next to nothing. yet what she had, she was so willing to gladly share. even as i write this, i am ashamed that lately i’ve felt that my home is inadequate for my standards. i’ve been focusing on so many material things lately. just responding to your question is flooding me with memories of a time that i was humbled….and i can feel it coming all back to me. thank you!
p.s….we have a big group of lovely ladies coming to see you in pensacola in december. we are so excited that you are coming so close to our tiny little town in the florida panhandle!!! you are a blessing to so many and may God continue to work through you and your ministry 🙂
My husband and I have been married for 34 wonderful years. We have 3 wonderful children who are now grown. Last year was the most difficult year we have ever walked through. It started in March 2010 when my husband’s business took a complete nose dive. Not just a slow down but a complete reverse. He is a co-owner of a business and has been successful for over 27 years. It went from bad to worse and all of a sudden our income was dramatically altered. He had to lay off people that had worked for him over 25 years. Totally devastated and broken we laid flat down on the floor and cried out to God. Repented from selfishness and God revealed ugly pride we had no idea was there. Through the next several months God’s GRACE poured over our lives. People that had no idea what we were going through called us invited us to dinner, the lady that cuts and colors my hair hugged my neck and said she was not going to charge me. God revealed to us a deeper level of dependency on HIM. I could go on about the miracle God has worked in our lives. Yes, I believe God humbled us and I just as soon stay totally humbled flat on the floor then ever go through this again. I believe He wanted to reveal to us HIS GRACE to prepare us to lead our church in Prayer Ministry.
From last spring until now I’ve been in a season of humbling. In the last year I’ve experienced some life altering and heartbreaking losses (home, career, death of a student, broken family relationships)and have had to adjust to a whole new normal (move twice in 6 months, new job with income at 75% of previous career, intense lonliness, ongoing struggle with depression). God’s removal of everything that I took security in has broken me in a way that I can’t put words to. I wish that I could say that I’ve walked this path of humility in a God honoring way but truthfully, I’m barely making it.
Keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus is a moment by moment thing. I’m trying though 🙂
Oh Bethany, I feel your pain. I went thru a similar season recently. Praying Jesus ministers to you in your lonely places.
If you would like to talk, you can find me thru my blog link or twitter.
My husband and I moved our family to Western New York almost two years ago as we were led by God. My husband is a children’s pastor and we knew without a doubt that God was calling us out of the church we were in to move here. My greatest anxiety was whether or not our house would sell because we were in Michigan where the housing market has completely collapsed. God has humbled me by allowing me to walk through my greatest anxiety and watch our house sit empty for almost two years because we cannot sell it at a price that will cover the mortgage. It is currently worth about $35,000 less than what we have left on our mortgage. We have been advised and are currently talking with the bank to arrange to put it on the market as a short sale. Even a year ago this would have devastated me; I would have felt like a complete failure for not being able to pay off the mortgage in full. However, as God has been patiently working on me (for two years) I have been humbled enough to not worry how it looks to others or myself. He has helped me be humble enough to accept that this is happening and I’m still surviving and He is providing my families needs through it all.
I have a deep need to hear many words of encouragement when I write. I continually and I mean, continually share pieces of my writings with friends even when God tells me not to just so that I can hear what my itching ears long to hear. I rely more on their comments than I do on God’s provision. Every time I do this, I can no longer write. It takes me forever to get my mojo back! Beth, last weekend at LPL Columbus, Ohio you made sure to say that someone there was called to write/communicate and it’s not about how you feel. I was certain you were talking directly to me. So I decided to keep on keeping on…until I shared with my friends (again) to recieve the encouragement that I was do! I mean I spend so much time researching and writing…someone needs to know about it! Hahaha…now I’m having one of those mental blocks. But as you said at LPL, it’s not about how I feel. I need to do what God has called me to do and stop looking to people to affirm my calling. Insecurity raises it’s ugly head once again…It’s time to humble myself to God’s will allowing Him alone the glory and stop seeking my own selfish praise. Thank you for a new perspective!
I have a huge problem with self-discipline in my life…basically have none. God has been using Charles Stanley and various other sources to remind me about being disciplined and showing me all the areas I need to improve. Thank you, God, for loving me enough to talk to me and teach me humility. I Love You!!!!!!
WOW…WOW…Where would I start? The last two years have been a signficiant time of humbling…SO HARD, and yet SO worth it. I am so thankful that the heavenly Father of the Universe is willing and wanting to work on/with me. I used my own “desire for excellence” and justice to mask pride and arrogance. That attitude and outlook made everyone around me feel less than worthy and always failing to “meet the mark” (whatever “the mark” was), and it was hurtful to them and to me. God so revealed that, and it was PAINFULLLLLLLLL. But it’s His kindness that leads me to repentance and He so loved on and restored me that would not change that for the world…I just don’t know how to adequately describe it, except THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Jesus for saving me from my self!
My daughter was having some marital problems and happened to be married to an over-bearing man who was not the man he presented himself to be prior to marriage. She and I have a very good relationship and she looks to me a lot for advice. On this weekend just a little over a year ago we were attending a 3 day conference in Dallas. It’s a program designed to facilitate self-discovery. In this segment you discover what your “traps” are…the things that cause you to become anxious, cause stress or set a bad habit/defense mechanism into motion, and then you discover steps to take to re-direct or off-set the negative emotion/reaction. We were not in the same class but ran into each other during a break. I had taken that particular class a month earlier and so I knew what part she had just finished. I asked her what some of her traps were fully expecting her to say things that her husband did and said. To my utter shock and awe, I was one of her traps! You could’ve knocked me over with a feather! I never in a million years would’ve guessed that I was a trap. Apparantly she felt an intense need to please me and felt pulled, then, between her husband and me. I was hurt and humbled to my core!!!! I spent a lot of time groveling before God (and to anyone who would listen) trying to understand. After I got over the fact that she would choose him over me (which is how I perceived it at first,)I can actually now see the benefit of that hard but necessary day. I’m not outwardly controlling. I’m really not. But I really needed to wait to be asked for advice, rather than giving it unsolicited. We still have a great relationship and it’s because I humbled myself instead of arguing how wrong she was (which I REALLY wanted to do at first!) God really did a work in both of us this past year. Some major growing pains, but we’re both better for it.
My kids humble me all the time! I learn so much from them! I love that God has used my kids several times to help me learn some things!
I think parenthood humbles me most every single day! But here recently my role has been changing within my church… I’ve become a bit more of a mentor in the motherhood department and lead a Book Club/Bible study for young mothers. I had a very successful opening day last week for a new semester of study with the ladies in the morning and I was feeling very pumped and “in-control” later that afternoon… until my 3 year old daughter decides to tell me off 🙂 Put my role in the proper perspective. I am not a good mother without the grace of God!
Siestas,
Please pray for my mother. She has fluid on her lungs. Our family has been blessed with very few major crisis. This is hard on us all. We need strength and hope. Thanks!!!
Adrienne, my heart goes out to you. My parents are living examples of God’s grace. They have been through major crises and lived to tell. Glory to the Lord. Meanwhile, while God is still working, it is a frightening place to be. Am claiming Jeremiah 33:6 for you and your family. The first word speaks volumes. (No matter what things look like now, TRUST God.)
Jeremiah 33:6
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
Am praying not only that He bring peace and healing and joy, but also that you be given the privilege to see Him at work. It is awesome. “I Am” is with you.
May God be with your mother and your family during this time. I am praying for all of you today.
I am praying for her and for your family.
Several years ago I asked God to help me write a Christian screenplay. I asked God, “Father, please help me write a screenplay so I know that I am capable of doing it. Capable of sticking with something that will take a long time and actually finishing it”. I also said, “Lord, I don’t care if when I finish it, if it just sits on my bookshelf and collects dust and doesn’t go any further than that.”
Well, He answered my prayer in a big way. I finished the screenplay and praised him for it. But, I decided that I would send it off to a couple of movie companies because it was so good! As least I thought so. But they didn’t think so. I got some pretty negative responses. My dreams didn’t match up with God’s reality. I was prideful and wanting to be “somebody” in the material world, instead of only wanting to bring Him Glory. Boy, was that humbling! Especially since I had requested prayer in Sunday School about it! Then I had to tell all of them that no one was interested in it. And coming from a perfectionist…that was HARD! But I learned that God knows what is best for me and says “No” when its for my good!
I like so many comments have been humbled with a divorce After 23 years of marriage. Life changing is an understatement. Ive had to rely on God soley so often during this time. And something that i still struggle with is going to church. All i see is families. Couples. My girls continue to go to my former church with my ex and his parents. I was a sunday school teacher and also taught womens studies. To now going to a new church on my own ive had to leave at times because i crying. Ive covered myself with bible studies to keep me busy in the word
Siesta Stephanie,
Good job keeping yourself covered in Bible studies so you would stay in the Word. I had a dear friend who was so sad going to church services, that she cut herself off from all church activities and bible studies. There is ALWAYS a place in the Body of Christ, even in our seasons of pain. I do pray that God will lead you to a corporate worship experience of some kind that is healing and comforting.
Thank you so much for your words, concern and your prayers. I thank you much
The last time was about 5 weeks ago. I was to take my Christian friend of 40 years for a medical and stay with her until her husband came home. We spoke 2 days prior and I asked her not to smoke afterwards. It was the hottest day of the year (98). She ripped me to pieces, from top to bottom then said she did not want me to go with her. Texted her several times after procedure to see how she was. After 3rd text she called me to rip me once again, not allowing me to say anything!!! To say that I am hurt is an understatement; however, the Lord has been teaching me this past year about CHOOSING NOT to take up an offense. I am at peace because I have done everything I can to live at peace. I gave her over to the Lord so He can work on her heart. I rest in that Praise God 🙂
Earlier this year my husband asked me to pray about putting our house on the market. We, like so many others have been affected by the economy. We built our house well within our means 5 years ago, but it was becoming a struggle to maintain w/ our current income. My husband had been carrying a heavy burden. God’s answer was to sell the house. I struggled because that was my baby, the house I designed…I had allowed it to become an idol. When I admitted that and asked God to forgive me, I began to see God moving and taking care of details. Our house sold within a few weeks and we moved to a home that (is a rental) we believe God built for us. If you had told me a year ago we would be renting a home, I would have called you a liar because I felt like that meant failure. Today, I know I can say that God humbled me and changed my outlook. I would rather live in a tent and be where He wants than a mansion ouside his plan for my life.
Blessings,
steph.