By Emily Wooten
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
God gives grace to the humble. We see in Daniel 1 the story of a young man who was torn from his people and his country. He was taken by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Daniel and his friends were described as being children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach.
We learn that Daniel and his friends had purposed in their hearts not to be defiled. Hebrew men observed and worshiped the One God. We know him as creator, self-existing, I am that I am. These men were keeping themselves separated to the One Holy God. Daniel’s desire was to be used by God and to please God. The degree of a person’s humility determines the limitations of their usefulness to God. Daniel recognized this and chose to position himself to be useful.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Did you know that the most humble man in his generation was the most used man of God in his generation? Jesus who, was king of kings, humbled himself to wash the disciples feet.
Mark 9:35 And he (Jesus) sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
Even when Daniel and his friends were pressured by the king of Babylon, they continued to worship the One True God. Daniel prayed three times a day. No matter what was happening, he bowed his knees and honored God.
Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he knelt upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Daniel was thrown in a den of lions to punish him for not bending his knee to any other God. But God sent an angel and delivered Daniel.
Daniel 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
God was able to save Daniel because he chose to humble himself before God and obeyed. God was able to use Daniel and he promoted him. God asks us to humble ourselves and pray. The same God who created the wonders of the universe chooses to spend time with us when we will make room for him. Three times a day Daniel pulled himself away from the affairs of this life to give God his time. During his time with God in prayer, he learned how to manage a kingdom. God spoke secrets to him, revealing the interpretation of dreams and giving him visions.
God is not a respecter of persons but he is a respecter of those who will humble themselves and put God first. Is God first in your life? Is there anything that you have made important above him? Thank God he is always a prayer away and we can adjust our thought life to move God to the most important place in everything we do.
Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.