The Hidden Power of Humility - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - June 1, 2026
"But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 14:10-11
After combing the Internet for almost two years, I couldn't find a job no matter how hard I tried. I applied and even got some interviews, but to no avail. To say it was disappointing would be an understatement. A flood of thoughts would cross my mind one night:
Doesn't God care about me?
Why doesn't he want to give me the desire of my heart?
Doesn't he want to use me for his purposes?
During my quiet time, I poured my heart out to God. I told him all my emotions and everything I was feeling about the situation. Even though I felt called by God to move into a different position, he wasn't presenting the opportunity at the right time. I was feeling discouraged. I began to doubt that I could even hear from God. After all, if I could get this wrong, how much more in my life would I get wrong?
One day, I received an email from a colleague. He was following up on an email from a long time ago. He apologized for not getting to the e-mail sooner, citing that a gentleman had left their position and they were short-staffed. In that moment, my mind's wheels began to turn.
"Are they looking to hire someone?" I asked.
In just a few days, my colleague had passed my name on to his boss, and the boss had set up an initial interview. Whether or not I get the job remains to be seen, but God showed how much he cares by setting up this God-ordained appointment.
In just a few short days, I went from questioning God and everything I had heard from him to receiving an initial inquiry about a possible job that could be my dream job.
In life, we may feel entitled to certain things. We all want a job that we love, a family that adores us, a nice house, and a nice car. But just because the American dream tells us we should have these things, it doesn't mean God owes them to us.
The above verse reminds us that we were never to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. Instead, we need to consider ourselves with humility. When we humbly come to God and ask him for the desires of our hearts, and if it does not misalign with his will, he will grant that desire. God does not want to rob us or trick us. Rather, he wants to give us good gifts because he loves us.
This verse tells us that when we enter a room, we should never take the most important seat, seeing ourselves as the most important person there. Rather, we should see ourselves as the least important. If God deems it to be so, he will call us to take the more important seat. But we must wait on his timing.
Is there something in your life that you wish God would grant you? Do you have a desire of your heart or a deep longing that you wish God would meet? Go to God with your request today. Perhaps you've asked God and never received a response. Perhaps you've never asked at all because you're afraid the answer will be no. Either way, God wants us to bring our requests to him. He will never waste our requests. But he may give us something more important than the desire of our heart: the formation of our character.
God elevates his people when he's ready. To some, he grants big things; to others, he grants small things. In all things, we are to give thanks.
Father, grant us humility. Help us to see ourselves as the least important person when we are with others. Help us to put other people's needs before our own. Allow us to come to you with the desires of our hearts, being content that you will grant what you desire for us in your timing, not ours. Help us not to struggle with entitlement, but rather to assume a posture of contentment. Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/ThitareeSarmkasat
Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
