Humbled

August 28–Daniel 3-4

“You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows on it whomever he wishes”(4:32).

God’s discipline is a gift! Even when it is painful. God disciplines me BECAUSE He loves me. Challenges my pride. Teaches humility. Insists that I learn this lesson so alien to my fallenness.

For all of his genuine interest and profound spiritual experiences (see yesterday’s post), Nebuchadnezzar continued to be a willful, unsurrendered man. Self-promoting. Proud. Unconverted. A natural man.

Out of LOVE for this proud king, God, “upped the pressure”. First, a warning dream. Then, a devastating fall into mental illness. In grace, the Lord sent him tumbling into a dark place. Please observe how Daniel, a true friend, begged the king to repent before the stroke was applied. See 4:27.

Israel experienced similar grace. The wilderness years were designed to humble them. Teach dependence. Challenge self-sufficiency. See Deuteronomy 8:2.

In 2 Corinthians 12, God plainly tells Paul that the “thorn in the flesh” was to, “keep him from exalting himself.” Humility is essential for our progress in holiness. This being so, the Father does not hesitate to teach us this lesson, even at a painful cost.

Is God humbling you, dear one? Is it possible that He knows, and you do not, the extent to which your pride, your autonomy, your concern for self glory, your impatience and self-centeredness are hindering His blessing? Your pride has to go! God’s best requires it! As He humbles you, will you recognize and yield to His love?

“God breathed on clay and it became a man; He breathes (now) on men and they become clay” (A. W. Tozer).

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”(Matthew 5:3).

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him”(Hebrews 12:5).