How about a little humble pie?

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Be gracious, even if others aren’t”

Our Bible verse for today: “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I’m no better than my fathers.” 1 Kings 19:4 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “How about a little humble pie?”

In some respects, the scene recorded in 1 Kings 19:4 is sad. The great prophet Elijah was physically and emotionally exhausted and he was depressed. He was in hiding from Queen Jezebel, who was trying to have him killed, and he had given up to the point that he wished he was dead. Considering what a powerful man of God Elijah was and how much success he had in ministry, it’s difficult to see him in this condition now.

But on the other hand, it shows that Elijah was human. It also shows that he didn’t think too highly of himself. As great as other people thought he was, Elijah knew he wasn’t really that different or any better than everyone else, “for I’m no better than my fathers.”

Trials, tribulations, and occasional failure can actually be good for us. They keep us humble. This is especially true when a person experiences a little more success than is probably good for them. In such cases it’s too easy to get a big head and to start thinking you’re really something special – the proverbial cat’s pajamas – too cool for school.

Challenges, trials, tribulations, and even some failures help to keep us grounded. We find the proof of this all throughout the Bible. Moses was too humble to believe he was qualified for the assignment God wanted to give him. Then, even once he had accepted the assignment and received empowerment from God, he continued to face difficulties he couldn’t handle and failures for which he was ashamed. Even after decades of successful leadership and ministry he was still the humblest man on the earth (Numbers 12:13).

We find similar stories in the lives of Joseph, Gideon, David, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, just to name a few. They were all great men of God who benefited from experiencing trials, tribulations, and failures. Then of course there were others who needed to experience a big fall in order to get their heads on straight. I’m thinking of Samson, Jonah, and Peter, just to name three.

A little humble pie for dinner every once-in-a-while is a good thing. It helps us to remember that we’re really no better than anyone else. Gracious people are humble people, and challenges help to keep us humble.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Share this:

Related

Leave a comment Cancel reply