Characteristic Eleven of a Believer-Humble

Learning to blog is a humbling experience so I decided to take a writing class online. In this group, we’re to write our story. At this time, I’m undecided whether I can even share my story with anyone but the exercises she has us do are great. We’re encouraged to pray for one another. We all friend each other as the group ends. Shortly after this class ends, I offer to pray for this woman on Facebook. She’s a member of the writing group and it just seemed natural to reach out to her. This was two years ago and today she’s the most humble person I know. Her name is Dr. Michelle Bengtson.

Beloved, the eleventh characteristic of a born-again believer is one is humble. Humble’s defined as having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. Synonyms of humble are meek, deferential, respectful, submissive, diffident, self-effacing, and unassertive. Beloved, in thinking of the most humble person in the Bible and after prayerful consideration, I think Mary the mother of Jesus would qualify.

‘We know the story, Mary a teenager betrothed to Joseph, visited by an angel. Can you imagine how afraid or perhaps how much in awe? The room bright with the light of the angel Gabriel. She listens intently to the plan. Beloved, do you listen to the plans the Lord has for you? Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Mary hears these reassuring words, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30 Mary brings her questions to God when she says how can this be, I’m a virgin.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34

Mary understands and her questions are answered and she accepts the challenge before her with a humble answer.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Luke 1:38

Beloved, her prayer, and song praise God in Luke 1: 46-55. Do you praise God in good and bad times?

The eleventh characteristic of the born-again believer is humble. Are you humble? “Humility is confidence properly placed.” Dr. Neil Anderson.

Michelle’s life verse is Jeremiah 29:11, what I discovered in June of 2015 she was writing a book about a time when she suffered from depression. I became her partner in prayer. Her book released in August of 2016. Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression. Her book helped me so much.

Chapter 8 helped me the most here are some of the quotes,

“Depression doesn’t define our worth.”

“God delights in us as his masterpiece.”

“Tragically, we allow words, attitudes or actions of others to influence how we feel about ourselves.”

“If we do not have a firm grasp of our God given worth, life incidents can perpetuate the belief that we have to behave or think a certain way to earn our value or gain acceptance.”

“The only one who has the authority to speak about our worth is Jesus.”

“But every fear is based on a lie.”

“Christ exchanges our sin and shame for his perfection, our death for his life, and our bondage for his freedom.”

“You are so valuable to him, you are tattooed on his hands.”

“Comparison steals our joy.”

“In the darkness of the depression, we are more susceptible to comparing ourselves to others.”

“The physical effects of depression can deplete both our energy and our motivation.”

This book is for anyone suffering from depression. There’s exciting news she has written a Bible study, companion to Hope Prevails and tomorrow we will focus on the hope that comes from being in his word. The bible study will be available on October 26th through Amazon.com. The study brings you full circle in understanding hope for depression.

Father God, thank you for Michelle and her obedience to write this book. The verse in Psalm 25:9 says you lead the humble in doing right and teaching them your way. I know you have done this for Michelle as I have watched you answer prayer after prayer. Father God, I pray for those that need this book. That those are depressed will get the help they need. Thank you for giving me a friend like Michelle. In Jesus’ name Amen

What do you need to do to add being humble to your life?

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This post is part of a 31 day series on the Characteristics of a Believer. I am so glad that you are here. To read all of the posts in this series, click here.