A Life-Changing Vision about Pride and Humility
by Jill Austin
Years ago, when ministering in the nation of New Zealand, I was given an open-eyed vision that changed my life. I saw an enormous fiery angel full of the glory of the Lord walking up and down the nation. He was brandishing a mighty sword that was beheading those who were standing tall in their own pride, egotism, and self-glory. The Lord was dealing with the haughty attitude of their hearts through this powerful angel.
Those who bowed low on their faces and postured themselves in humility were spared, knighted, and promoted. The Lord raised them up to new places of leadership because of their meekness and humility. “‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore, submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:6-7, 10). God requires and honors humility! If you want your life to have significance, then position yourself at the feet of Jesus.
Church Politics and the Heart of God
As I have ministered in conferences nationally and internationally, I have seen many people moving in self-promotion and climbing the corporate ladder of ministry through church politics. Honestly, this breaks the very heart of God. It also tests our hearts when we are overlooked and others are unfairly promoted above us. The Lord allows these “fires” to work a death in our own hearts, killing our pride and need for position. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time” (1 Peter 5:6 AMP).
We cannot use people—or prostitute His bride—to build our name, ministry or personal mailing lists. The goal is to be so accepted and confident in His love that we do not need the lime light. Those who are in love with The Light of the World—the glorious man Christ Jesus—have no need of the lime light. At the end of the day, His opinion is the only one that counts. When we are so rooted and grounded in His affections, it is easy to not care about promoting ourselves. It is then that we find ourselves in that wonderful place of reckless abandonment—of being laid-down lovers of Jesus—and our lives are truly all about Him.
There Is a Price Behind the Anointing!
The years of being overlooked are a fiery inferno, but the Lord can use it to work gold in our hearts. The challenge in this life-long journey is to keep our hearts soft, humble, and bowed low before Him. Our gifts will make room for us in due season. Do we have love and humility, regardless of what happened to us? Or have we become disqualified because of bitterness and hardness of heart? “Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23 AMP).
Prayer: Lord, help me to stay on the operating table as You perform heart surgery. Make me so rooted and grounded in Your love that I no longer need to promote myself. Give me great grace, and genuine humility, so that I can accept Your timing, and trust Your orchestration of my life.
© Master Potter Ministries :: Jill Austin Legacy
Related Audio:
Glory Fire & Vessel of Mercy: A Collection of Prophetic Stories
Similar to the New Testament parables Jesus spoke, this series presents a fresh and creative approach of using picture language, or parables, to bring powerful and revelational insight into the Scriptures and your own personal journey with the Lord. Set to background music for a unique listening experience, children and adults alike will love this inspiring and creative collection of stories.
Glory Fire Includes:
- The Wilderness
- The Glory Fire
- Outside the City Walls
- Mountain of Fire.
Vessel of Mercy Includes:
- Oh Lord, I’m Dying
- Vessel of Mercy
- The Electrician
- Eyes of Love.
Purchase from Masterpotter Ministries - Digital Downloads or CDs
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