It is easier to talk about "humble beginnings" than it is to live in a state of humiliation. Being humble, we like the idea of, when someone is describing us... but being placed in a position of being brought low... of being humiliated... if we were refreshingly honest, we'd probably all rather pass.
There's more to being humble than being born in a manger.
Jesus said, "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 14:11). And we look to Jesus in everything. Jesus... who exemplified the power of gentle humility, enduring taunts and torture, though He did nothing wrong (blameless) and He was the Son of God (full of power). He could have stopped it all. He did not. The gentle humility of Jesus was more fruitful and did more for mankind than if Jesus had tried to exalt himself on His own, apart from God and His will.
Could our gentle humility, in the manner of Jesus, do the same?
The "pray it" blog cannot think of any better way than to "pray it" this week than what Paul did in the beautifully written, humbly dependent way exhibited in Ephesians 3:14-21:
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,[a] 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.[b] 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
What might this look like, practically?
1.) Change your position. Do it. Literally. Do it now. Perhaps pray on your knees. Head bowed low. Prostrate, on the ground, so-to-speak. If it is difficult to get in a humble mindset, change your body position to a more dependent one, and see how much that can help. Yes, you might feel ridiculous. Try it in your living room where no one can see you. Laugh and tell God it's weird. Push past that. And then do it anyway.
2.) Pray TO. Notice how once Paul is in position, on his knees, he then spends time reminding himself of who he is praying to: Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. Let this be both humbling AND empowering. You are not the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. You are not omnipotent. You are not in control. You ARE, however, praying to the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. He is omnipotent. He is in control. And He wants to hear from you.
3.) Pray FOR yourself and others to be empowered through the Holy Spirit and able to experience the love of Christ. I can't think of a better prayer, honestly. It kind of covers... everything.
4.) Submit and trust. God is able. Yield to His will and pray that He will do more than we can ask or imagine, bringing glory to His name.
Try it.
I'm doing it too.
PoC|Coverage is tonight at 6pm - come get your corporate prayer on!
Pastor Celia
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