Power Through Humility

Dearest Saints
     I realize more and more that if we want the power of God to be evident in our lives, we need two essential ingredients. First, we need to be humble before God. It seems as though when we talk about humility, I believe alot of us get the wrong impression of humility as though it is a negative emotion to pursue, by thinking lowly about ourselves and just accepting every negative comment anyone may say of us. There is a big difference between humiliation and humility. Humiliation is receiving everything negative about our character, ability which brings about discouragement. Anytime we become discouraged by any form of humiliation is always from the enemy and has nothing to do with true humility that God talks about. On the other hand, true humility which God tells us to develop is having that grace and peace of being honest about our weakness before God while at the same time that allows His power to work supernaturally through us in ways beyond what we normally could ever do in our own strength. When a person is not truly humble before God, they are simply deceived. Because the Bible tells us that without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). And the Bible only speaks genuine truth to us. We just need to have the wisdom to be humble enough to receive it. When we come humbly to declare the truth about ourselves with a humble spirit, we open the door for His power to work mightily through us simply because we do not allow our own natural strength or natural ability to get in the way of His supernatural strength and ability that works effectively in our lives. True humility confesses this promise: that without God , we can do nothing. But like Paul himself says: That I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). Having this spirit of humility allows us to always appreciate God, knowing who He is, knowing how God richly loves us, is able to always help us in our time of need and care for us in ways we could never do in every detail of our lives. When we are humiliated (which only comes from the enemy), as a Child of God, we DO NOT have to accept any lies from any man or devil who speaks contrary to the Word of God. Humility does not accept any words spoken from lying lips, but with wisdom, a humble Christian accepts His instrucations and uses the authority He has given to each of us by rebuking the lies of the enemy who tries to bring us down with his lies. By confidently believing His Word is having humility before God because we believe the authority of His Word no matter what. True humility comes by only accepting and speaking the power of Gods encouraging Word over us and being submissive (being humble) to receive His loving Words and instructions for our lives. True humility the way God intended for us to have never be allowed to ever hang your head low, but holds our head high that allows to shine His light through us without allowing us to have any arrogance. True humility always considers His way regardless if it makes sense to us or not. We become proud when we think our way is better than Gods way because it may not make sense to us. That is why we are to become as a Child because a Child believes his father no matter what. A child does not have to always try to figure things out when his/her father says something. When we stop to consider how God orchestrates the universe, creates every living thing, sustains every life and all things are held together by the power of His Word, who are we to question God? That is why being proud and arrogant is becoming as a fool (if I may use that term). Another aspect of true humilty is to consider the advice of others and stop ever thinking our opinions are the only ones that matter. Humility values the advice of others. Just like when God tells us to forgive others, we need to do just that instead justifying ourselves, especially when we know is contrary to His Word. Humility is willingly accepting His instructions, even though our flesh would like to think otherwise. One of the greatest characteristics of humility is being thankful to Him in all ways, even in tough times. Also being thankful to others. True humility also regards others greater than us in a balanced way. I say that in a "balanced way" because I know I can have the habit of taking things to the extreme. Therefore, when we think more highly of others, true humility does not put ourselves down because of it. If we expect to have the confidence of Christ within us like He tells us to be, we need to demonstrate that by walking with confidence and having that positive attitude knowing that He loves and cares for me and He promises never to leave us or forsake us. Again, its always a matter of having balance. For differing weights are an abomination to Him, when we take everything to the extreme (Prov 16:11; Prov 20:10 and Prov 20:23). Being humble allows the power of God to work within us. When we are not honest before God about being humble and our total inability, we are simply deceived. Being humble in a balanced way allows us to invite His Spirit to enable us to do far greater works. The reason why there are many people who seem to have more of the power of God working in their lives than others is because they humbly confess their inability and invite His Spirit to enable them. Thats why Paul mentions that when he is weak (by admitting his inadequacies), he is then strong (which allows the power of God to do much greater work through us) 2 Cor 12:10. Being proud is a roadblock to allow the power of God to work on our behalf. It's also the same that when we confess our faults one to another, our land (lives) will be healed rather than trying to hide your weakness to pretend to be "holier than thou". However, I find it important when we share our faults one with another, that we share only with those whom we can trust and are mature in the Lord. Without having true humility before God, you can never expect the wonderful working power of Gods Spirit to work mightily through you. If you want the power of God to work through you, we need to simply be honest and make our confession known to God that we can do nothing without His help and invite Him to lead us and direct us in every area of our lives because He is far greater than any of us and He knows best about everything! People are never strong in the Lord because they themselves have a strong character, but because they express their need of Him that invites His Spirit to work mightily through them. Another key ingredient I find absolutely necessary along with humility is having that bold confidence in Him which I will continue on next. Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless. In the Matchless Name of Jesus Richard Associate Director Answers2Prayer http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife http://www.answers2prayer.org/