Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box

Over the past few days, a persistent theme has been seen in my daily time in Scripture:

God gives grace to the humble.

It is comforting because it invites us into rest, and confronting because it asks us to release our grip on self-reliance.

James writes it plainly:

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
— James 4:6

Peter echoes the same invitation:

“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
— 1 Peter 5:5

And long before that, Proverbs declared:

“He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.”
— Proverbs 3:34

This is a cornerstone of how God relates to humanity.

The Kind of Leader God Chooses

Today, as I read Luke 1, this theme deepened even more. God did not choose a powerful ruler, a religious elite, or a confident influencer to carry the Christ child.

He chose Mary—a humble, young servant.

And in her song, she reveals God’s heart:

“My soul magnifies the Lord…
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.”
— Luke 1:46, 51–52

Mary’s focus wasn’t on herself, her strength.
Her focus was on God.

Humility is so powerful—it keeps our eyes fixed on Him.

Good News for the Quiet and Overlooked

This is deeply encouraging for those of us who don’t see ourselves as “strong leaders” in the world’s terms.

God is not impressed by self-promotion.
He’s drawn to dependence.
He entrusts responsibility to those who know they need Him.

Psalm 146 reminds us:

“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”
— Psalm 146:3

God’s kingdom is built on a different foundation.

Seeing Pride for What It Is

As I sat with these Scriptures, I felt the Lord gently prompt me to pray—not against proud leaders, but for them.

Because pride isn’t strength.
Pride is fear.
It’s self-protection.
It’s a shield formed from wounds that haven’t yet been healed.

When we see pride this way, compassion replaces judgment.

A Prayer for Our Leaders—and for Our Own Hearts

Lord,
I bless the proud leaders in our nation with Your Holy Spirit.
Heal their souls.
Dismantle the strongholds of pride that were built to protect wounded hearts.
Reveal Yourself to them as Love, as Refuge, as Strong Tower.

Let fear be cast out by Your perfect love.
Release them into the freedom of knowing You and trusting You.

And Lord, keep my heart fixed on Your love—not on fear.
Teach me to walk humbly with You.
Thank You for the way You choose leaders—quietly, gently, faithfully.

Amen.

Grace Is For the Low

Grace flows toward those who are willing to kneel.
Strength is found in surrender.
And God is still choosing the humble to carry His presence into the world.

That is very good news.

Merri Ellen 🙂

PPS…

He has more for you.

YOU are a sacred space.

Meet with a trained coach to walk with you.

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Enjoy the books: “God, Show Me What You See”
or “God, Show Me More of You“