By Linda Mullins
This is excerpt from my first book, titled Igniting Hope, Leveling Up Your Thought Life in 31 Days . Actually, it is the first devotion of 31. If we aim to become servant leaders, our hearts really do need to be 'in the right place'. Take it from a reformed independent, defiant person with a formerly unyielding heart. Mine was often out of alignment.
What Is a Heart Posture?
1 Peter 5:6-8
“Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
The trials of life have a way of humbling us, usually not by choice. Whether blindsided by a diagnosis for you or your family, experiencing the death or loss of someone or something you hold dear, or reeling from the stress and trauma of a global pandemic, adversity can bring you to a lowly place, a place of humility and dependence on the Lord. We must go low to be lifted high.
When we try to conquer things in our own strength, we are independent of God. We are even arrogant or proud. By giving up control and allowing God to take over, we have turned our heart posture to humility and dependence upon Him. It may be hard to understand, but God wants you to be dependent on Him. This is His desire and a necessary part of emerging victorious.
It is not about making you suffer; it is about drawing you near to Him, drawing you home. Though your circumstances are not necessarily orchestrated by the Lord, they can include His permissive will. This is a tough pill to swallow. Many people get angry at God when tragedy strikes. Your feelings of grief, rage or overwhelm are natural. What He is asking you to do does not feel natural. Surrender to Him. Humble yourself before Him and cast your care upon Him, for He cares for you. He cares for your pain, anguish, trauma, and loss. He loves you. He will lift you up again, but you must surrender all and trust that He cares for you. Watch what happens when you do.
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