Swallowing Pride to Receive Grace

Scripture (James 4:6, NIV):

"But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble'."

Devotional:

Yesterday I finally gave in and did what my pride had been fighting. A woman at my hotel looked at me and said, "Maybe it's time that God is telling you that you need to ask for help." Those words hit me harder than I expected, because she was right. I've been trying to do everything on my own, holding it together, pretending I was fine. But truth was - I wasn't fine; I was sinking and God was teaching me not to take my eyes off of him so I didn't drown. The moment I swallowed my pride and asked for help, God's grace showed up.

God didn't shame me for asking - He set the whole thing up. He placed my neighbor in the hallway to invite me in and speak those words right when I needed to hear them, and He made sure that Susie (we will change her name just in case) led me to a pastor who would remind me what grace looks like in action. Because "without a plan, I might as well plan to fail." God's grace was given like it was nothing for them to accept me and Susie was there helping with things that are going on and potential jobs and advised me to "just take it one day at a time." God's hand was all over this: His timing, His people, His mercy - it was ALL Him!! Especially the, "I am cheering for you!" at the end.

Questions to Consider:

1. What area of my life am I still trying to handle without asking for help?

2. Why do I feel like I need to appear strong when God already knows my weaknesses?

3. How has God already prepared the people and places that will meet me once I humble myself?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the gentle reminder that humility is not weakness - it's wisdom. Thank you for sending my neighbor, and for using her words to pierce through my pride and guide me back to Your grace. Thank You for preparing every step in advance - the conversation with "Susie" and the pastor, the provision, and the peace. Help me keep walking in humility, trusting that You've already arranged the help I need. In Jesus' name, Amen.