Humble Yourself

The world is like wolves and pie. God baked a delicious pie, and the wolves fight over it because they want as much as possible. Most of them never stop to think about the baker who made it, and who could make more pie for everyone if they would only stop fighting and ask. They’re too afraid of the other wolves to play nicely. They don’t trust God to provide for them.

Passion and desire encourage us to pursue things that glorify God. However, whenever we want something, there is a tension between trusting God to provide and becoming a wolf willing to hurt others to get the pie (James 4:1-2). The temptation to fend for ourselves is real, but it isn’t how God designed reality to work. We’re supposed to bring our needs to Him in prayer. God promises to listen when we ask (Matthew 7:7-8).

And yet, He doesn’t always give us what we want because we often ask with the wrong motives (James 4:3). God isn’t a vending machine; He is a Father who wants a relationship with us. He delights in blessing His children when their desires align with His. Just as a good father doesn’t reward selfish behaviour, living as a lone wolf only puts us further at odds with God (James 4:4-5).

So, how do we see more of our prayers answered? Get on the same page as God before you ask (James 4:6–9). Be humble and open to where He is leading you, even when it isn’t what you would choose for yourself. And don’t just think humble thoughts; practise humility. Examine your desires and motivations, and allow God to reshape them according to His will. God lifts up those who genuinely want to change (James 4:10).

Watch the full sermon here.