Stoop To ConquerSample

Facing my Pride

Desires are common to both believers and non-believers. God is aware of the intensity of such longings and desires at work in us. When we clearly and directly ask God (Jas 4:2), He starts by refining our desires and replacing them with His bigger and better ones.

Global travel is my passion. It so happened within months of joining my first job, I was deputed for a prestigious international training. My senior manager who had more than a decade of experience in the organisation was bypassed. The manager started cold-shouldering me for the next few weeks along with the entire team in the department. I felt the team was being petty and began ignoring them! May be he was overlooked because of his immaturity and incompetence, I reasoned. That very night I felt restless about my attitude and approached my director. I willingly requested him to send my senior manager instead of me.

God honoured me in the coming years with far greater exposure across the globe through this act of relinquishing my desire. God had taught me an important lesson. The desires of our heart are precious to God. But the desire to keep harmony at the workplace is even more essential to God. Letting go of things we cherish is letting ourselves into the kingdom of God, with endless pleasures and treasures (cf Ps 16:11).

Sometimes, claiming our legitimate rights may not be sinful but relinquishing them makes for a more peaceful life in the Body of Christ. It calls for swallowing our pride. These small acts of sensitivity does not escape the notice of our God whose eyes are ranging throughout the earth looking to encourage the hearts of those who are fully committed to Him (II Chr 16:9). And with God on our side, we can soar great heights and have all our needs and even our desires fully and abundantly met!

Prayer

Lord please help me to see You as the author of all good things in my life. Help me realise that no one can stop You from flowing in Your favour and goodness into my life! Let me not be fazed by jealous or envious men or women around me when I advance with Your blessings. Amen