"Humbly ask God to remove all of our shortcomings."
Key Scripture:
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." — James 4:10
What is Humility?
Humility is not thinking less of ourselves—it is thinking correctly about ourselves. True humility is seeing ourselves as God sees us.
Who we are → Who God says we are.
Who He is → Who God says He is.
Shortcomings are not identities → They are struggles that God can remove.
Humility is also the willingness to ask where we could be wrong and accept that what we believe about ourselves, our struggles, and even our past may need to change.
1. Humility is Agreement with God
Many of us have believed lies about ourselves based on family history, personal struggles, or cultural norms. Humility asks:
✔ Is this really who I am, or is this just something I’ve carried?✔ Have I accepted an identity that God never gave me?✔ Is it possible I’ve misunderstood my struggle?
Examples of Misunderstood Struggles
🚫 “I’m just an angry person.”✅ Truth: I’ve used anger to protect myself, but God can heal my wounds.
🚫 “Addiction runs in my family, so I’ll always struggle.”✅ Truth: Generational sin can be broken, and I am not bound by my past.
🚫 “I’ll always be anxious—I just worry about everything.”✅ Truth: Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, and God didn’t design me for fear.
Reflection Questions:
Where have I assumed something about myself that might not be true?
Have I accepted an identity that is actually a shortcoming God wants to remove?
Where do I need to ask God, "Am I wrong about this?"
2. Humility is Acceptance of Struggles as Part of Our Growth
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." — James 1:2-4
God often allows struggles to prepare us for greater things. Instead of seeing difficulties as punishment, humility recognizes them as a refining process.
Biblical Examples of Growth Through Struggles
Joseph – The Pit to the Palace (Genesis 37-50)
Struggle: Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned.
Lesson in Humility: Joseph could have become bitter, but he remained faithful, allowing God to use his suffering to prepare him for leadership.
Breakthrough: He became second in command in Egypt and saved his family during a famine.
Key Takeaway: Sometimes, our hardships are part of God's training ground for greater things.
Moses – From Prince to Shepherd to Deliverer (Exodus 2-14)
Struggle: Moses tried to free Israel in his own strength and failed, leading to 40 years in the wilderness.
Lesson in Humility: He had to learn dependence on God, not his own abilities.
Breakthrough: When he surrendered to God’s way, he led Israel out of slavery.
Key Takeaway: God often uses our failures to humble us before He calls us to greater purpose.
Paul – Weakness Becomes Strength (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
Struggle: Paul had a “thorn in the flesh” (some ongoing struggle).
Lesson in Humility: He asked God to remove it, but instead, God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Breakthrough: Paul realized his struggles made room for God’s power.
Key Takeaway: Sometimes, God doesn’t remove the struggle because He’s using it to reveal His strength in us.
Reflection Questions:
What struggles in my life might actually be shaping me for something greater?
Have I been resisting something that God is using to refine me?
Where do I need to trust God’s timing instead of my own?
3. Humility is the Acceptance of Our Past as Part of Our Purpose
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." — Romans 8:28
Humility isn’t just surrendering our struggles—it’s embracing them as part of God’s refining process. What once brought us shame can become the very thing God uses to shape our purpose.
Biblical Examples of Shame Turned into Purpose
Peter – From Denial to Bold Preacher (Luke 22:54-62, Acts 2:14-41)
Shame: Peter denied Jesus three times out of fear.
Humility: Instead of running from his failure, Peter accepted Jesus’ restoration.
Purpose: He became the bold leader of the early church, preaching at Pentecost and leading thousands to Christ.
Key Takeaway: Our greatest failures can become our greatest testimonies when surrendered to God.
The Woman at the Well – From Outcast to Evangelist (John 4:4-42)
Shame: She had five failed marriages and was rejected by her community.
Humility: She accepted Jesus’ truth about her life and let go of shame.
Purpose: She became one of the first evangelists, leading her whole village to Jesus.
Key Takeaway: God doesn’t just remove our shame—He repurposes it to reach others.
Paul – From Persecutor to Preacher (Acts 9:1-22, 1 Timothy 1:12-16)
Shame: Paul persecuted and killed Christians before his encounter with Jesus.
Humility: He accepted his past but didn’t let it define his future.
Purpose: He became the greatest missionary of all time, writing much of the New Testament.
Key Takeaway: Your past doesn’t disqualify you—it prepares you for your calling.
Reflection Questions:
What is something from my past that once brought me shame?
How might God be using that struggle to shape my purpose?
Am I still holding onto shame, or have I let God redeem it?
Final Thought:
Humility isn’t just admitting weakness—it’s trusting that even our struggles have a purpose. What if the very thing you’re asking God to take away is the thing He’s using to prepare you for something greater?
Step 7 isn’t just about asking God to remove our shortcomings—it’s about surrendering how we see ourselves, embracing the process, and trusting that nothing is wasted in God’s hands.
Discussion & Application:
What personal beliefs or struggles do I need to surrender?
Where do I see God using my past or struggles for His purpose?
How can I walk in true humility—seeing myself as God sees me?