Day 9

01 Feb Day 9

Scripture: Proverbs 11:2 NLT- “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” 

Observation: We’re called to confess our sins, or anything we are being prideful about, and praise God in the process (he already knows we sin, but we must confess to show him that we acknowledge the sinning taking place). This requires us to be humble, admitting our shortcomings. In the end, we gain the most wisdom from letting go and giving it all to God. 

Application: I am not sure if you are like me or not, but being able to admit I am struggling with something is a huge challenge for me. I was diagnosed with a rare brain condition in 2015 and have had thirteen brain surgeries since then. I have been temporarily paralyzed, unable to bathe myself as an adult (that is a humbling experience, let me tell you!), in the worst pain of my life and not quite sure how I would go on some days. Oh, how this verse speaks to me now as I reflect on the past seven years! I wish I could say I turned directly to God through all my appointments, procedures, and suffering, but I didn’t. I knew I should have, but I let my pride get in the way. I would tell myself, “I can handle this all on my own. I don’t want to bother anyone, even God.” Boy, was I wrong! Proverbs 11:2 calls us to be humble and graceful, and confess to God that we need him. It took me a few years, (six to be exact) to finally realize what this meant.

Taking that first step when I “graduated from my wheelchair” back in 2015 or being able to make it through a procedure with absolutely no anesthesia in 2021 had nothing to do with me and what I could do. Had I let my prideful ways continue, I may not have made it through these struggles (emotionally, mentally, physically, or medically). But thankfully, God has his plan in place, and I finally became wiser as I was humbled through all my medical roller coasters.

I wish I had all the answers (like my kids think I do) or have everything in order (like my coworkers think I do); but the truth is, I have to remember to keep God as the center of everything. He deserves all the glory. With that, we are cleansed. With that, we become wiser. I take full responsibility for not being honest with God in the past, and am ready to recommit myself to his grace and direction to become wiser in 2022, and every year after.

Jesus was the chosen One, God in human form.  He, out of anyone, had the right to be boastful with pride; yet he chose humility during every encounter he had. I must trust that God will see humility in me, just as he saw in his Son. I am so honored to call God my Heavenly Father and praise him every day for all he has done, and continues to do in my life. I yearn to be more Christ-like every day and you can be too! All we have to do is allow God into our daily thoughts and confess to him when we need help or guidance. That is what gives us wisdom.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes it feels impossible for me to fully give up control of my life to someone else. Please guide me to understand how deep your love is for me so that I can live humbly as your child and not be prideful in my decision-making or thoughts. I cannot do anything alone, but must always have you as my focus. I praise you and thank you for accepting me as a work in progress; someone who is dedicated and committed to honoring your love and sacrifices through confession. Amen.

Going Deeper: 

• Ask yourself what you are holding back from God currently. Is your pride getting in your way like it did me?
• Is there an area of your life where you could show more humility, instead of thinking you may be too wise for any help?
• Proverbs 11:2 can be used in so many aspects of our daily lives.  Pray about it and how it affects a specific situation in yours, especially during your daily slot and spot.
• Joining a J-Group will change your life. Check out the catalog for our spring semester!

Courtney “Court” Neil / Impressions Team Leader, J-Group Leader

Court joined the Journey family last year and found her family and her forever home. She serves as a Greeter Team Leader on the Impressions Team. Court co-leads the “Anytime” J-Group with two of her favorite friends, Kim & Marqueita. She is also a part of “Java & Jesus” and “Power Couples” J-Groups as a contributing member. Court loves to serve at the many events The Journey hosts (Monthly Food Distributions and the Special Needs Ministry events hold a special place in her heart).