It’s Not About You
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." - James 4:10
Following God often leads to some incredible moments in life. He may open doors you never expected, promote you to places you never dreamed of, and use you to impact others in ways that seem impossible. But here’s something we can’t afford to forget: it’s not about you. All the good things God does in and through your life are meant to point back to Him—His goodness, His grace, and His power.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when things start happening in your favor. When God brings attention to your cause or elevates you to a higher position, you may begin to think it’s because of something you’ve done; your talent, your hard work, your determination. But don’t get it twisted. God isn’t promoting you so that your name can be in lights. He’s doing it so that His name can be glorified through you.
Humility is the key to staying grounded as you follow God. When He chooses to use you, it’s not because you’re the most qualified or deserving, it’s because He’s gracious and loving. He doesn’t need us to accomplish His plans, but He invites us to be a part of them. And when you remember that it’s all about Him, it keeps your heart in the right place.
If we start taking credit for what God is doing, we miss the point. We start shifting the focus from God’s glory to our own, and that’s when pride creeps in. God doesn’t share His glory, and He won’t bless a heart that’s more interested in self-promotion than in pointing others to Him.
As you experience the blessings, the promotions, and the attention that may come with following God, stay humble. Remember that it’s not about you, but about the One who is working through you. God’s power is made perfect in your weakness, and His grace is what allows you to be part of His incredible plan.
Following God often leads to some incredible moments in life. He may open doors you never expected, promote you to places you never dreamed of, and use you to impact others in ways that seem impossible. But here’s something we can’t afford to forget: it’s not about you. All the good things God does in and through your life are meant to point back to Him—His goodness, His grace, and His power.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when things start happening in your favor. When God brings attention to your cause or elevates you to a higher position, you may begin to think it’s because of something you’ve done; your talent, your hard work, your determination. But don’t get it twisted. God isn’t promoting you so that your name can be in lights. He’s doing it so that His name can be glorified through you.
Humility is the key to staying grounded as you follow God. When He chooses to use you, it’s not because you’re the most qualified or deserving, it’s because He’s gracious and loving. He doesn’t need us to accomplish His plans, but He invites us to be a part of them. And when you remember that it’s all about Him, it keeps your heart in the right place.
If we start taking credit for what God is doing, we miss the point. We start shifting the focus from God’s glory to our own, and that’s when pride creeps in. God doesn’t share His glory, and He won’t bless a heart that’s more interested in self-promotion than in pointing others to Him.
As you experience the blessings, the promotions, and the attention that may come with following God, stay humble. Remember that it’s not about you, but about the One who is working through you. God’s power is made perfect in your weakness, and His grace is what allows you to be part of His incredible plan.
Free Email Devotional - Sign Up Now
Recent
Archive
2024
January
One Step at a TimeTrusting in the UnseenThe Consequences of SinThe Path of True RepentanceWhen Are You Going to Change?Short-Term Satisfaction vs. Long-Term RewardsWhat Has God Called You to Do?The Danger of Ignoring God's CallingThe Abundance Beyond ObedienceResting in His RhythmLetting God Work While We RestFaith Under ConstructionThe Purpose in WaitingAgainst the GrainNot of This WorldGuidance in ConflictEmbracing Grace in RejectionEternal InvestmentsImpatient Choices, Lasting ConsequencesGod's Timing in RelationshipsDivine Delays in CareersIn Pursuit of God's TimingIn His ImageAnchored in God's VerdictImmersed in His LoveA Heart Full of ThanksPerspective ShiftStrength in UnityWho Needs Your Prayers?Expressing SelflessnessGoing All In on God's Calling
February
Exceedingly, Abundantly BeyondUnraveling the Strength Within WeaknessBeyond Human StrengthUnfailing FaithfulnessIgnoring The SignalsChoosing His Will with Free WillBlessings in Obedience to God's WillWhen God's Plans Are Different Than YoursTrusting the Unseen PathDivine ConnectionsPurposeful Impact in Others' LivesAnswering the Call to Show UpFinding All You Need in GodValor in the Face of FearObedience Over ComfortAnswering God's CallTrusting God One Step at a TimeTrusting the Omniscient GuideThe Path of Blessings through ObedienceThe Consequence of DisobedienceEmbracing the Hope of ChangeEmbracing the Call to SelflessnessTuning In to God's WhispersRising Above FearGod's Unshakeable Faith in YouAwakening to God's Plan for Your LifeThe Journey of FaithSurrendering Struggles
March
The Unseen GuardianBalancing CommunityStarting at HomeFrom Brokenness to MasterpieceEmbracing Your DesignDiscovering Strength in HelplessnessTransformative Power of PrayerThe Art of PrayerThe Gift of RepentanceBoundless ForgivenessA Two-Way StreetEmbracing Purpose in PainGod's Call to Impact LivesOrdinary to ExtraordinaryQualifying the CalledFinding Peace in ObedienceTrusting God's Plan Beyond Our DreamsPraising God in the PainFrom Platform to PastureEmbracing God's Training GroundFollowing the Model of JesusThe Beauty of Serving OthersFrom Knowledge to ObedienceGratitude for God's FaithfulnessRemoving the TapeGod Sees YouDisplaying Your FaithChoosing Obedience Over TemptationObedience Despite DifferencesThe Destructive Grip of LustChoosing God's Best Over Temporary PleasuresChoosing Wisely in Relationships
3 Comments
Thank you Ed. I can get confused pretty easily. Especially when I went from an entire life of repeated defeat to standing in the presence of God. There was so much that happened and I didn’t have the knowledge of His word to the extent that I am learning now. It would have helped me so much. I did learn without a shadow of a doubt though that God loves me so much it is almost unbelievable. It revealed to me His character of a loving Father that was beyond my ability to express. Obviously it couldn’t be coming from me. I was nothing. That’s the one regret that I have is not being more prepared to follow His word when it happened. It explains everything.
Recently...its actually been a few years back, I once was told by one of my bosses that I was "too humble" and at that time in my immaturity, I took offense to it. Ever since then I often wondered if I am too humble...but TODAY...God answered...Thank Pastor ED!! God knows me and I now know its not about ME but HIM!
nKeep up these devotionals they are fortifying!
This being my quiet time today was actually so amazing. I am literally in awe because I've recently been through a season of waiting and in my disappointment and confusion, I surrendered it to God, and I asked for peace and understanding. I really didn't understand His purpose in making me wait up until this week when the realizations finally hit me. It feels like nonstop yesterday and today I have been bragging about what God has been doing for me and while what I was doing wasn't exactly bad, it all comes back to my motives, intentions, and the attitude of my heart. This devotion was a hard pill to swallow, but I know it was God showing me that what He has been doing for me is all for His glory. Yes, I am allowed to be excited, but it is important to think about WHY I am excited.