Having Humility Through Hardships

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).

Humility doesn’t come naturally to us. Developing it can take a lot of prayer and intention, but really requires the work of the Holy Spirit. God allowed Joseph to be humbled through years of painful experiences. He was thrown by his own brothers into a dry well, sold into slavery, and wrongfully accused of something he didn’t do that led to being imprisoned. Yet, during these hardships, while remembering God’s promises to him, Joseph developed humility and a forgiving spirit. The turning point in Joseph’s story was when his God-given ability to interpret dreams became the opportunity for him to interpret a troubling dream for Pharaoh. This resulted in Pharoah appointing Joseph as second in command (under him) over all of Egypt. The humility Joseph gained through his trials prepared him for his leadership role that monumentally changed the course of history—saving the lives of his brothers, eventually becoming the 12 tribes of Israel.

Oftentimes, we too, from a lower position of adversity, are forced to look up and see God, “Who is enthroned on high” (Psalm 113:5). When we’re on our knees in prayer, our focus is on the greatness of God. “His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). When we look to the Lord Jesus, we see the most remarkable example of humility to follow. As we walk behind Him and let Him lead us, people see HIM in all we do.

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: In what way has God allowed you to be humbled? Read and pray these scriptures, realizing the blessing of humility. “He gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

“Humility is fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4).

“Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]” (James 4:10).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You today completely humbled by Your goodness. Help us to have humility, recognizing and repenting of any feelings of superiority or conceit. We want more of You and less of us. In Your name, we pray, Amen.

Final Thought: Like the grace of God, waterfalls never flow upward; they fall in a downward motion. God’s grace is constantly flowing down on us from Heaven above.