Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you. —1 Peter 5:6

Joseph dreamed of having authority and being a great man. However, he was young and impetuous. Joseph’s brothers hated him and sold him into slavery. God used the situation as an opportunity to test and train Joseph. He even spent thirteen years in prison for something he didn’t do, but whatever happened to Joseph during those years definitely equipped him for his God-ordained role in history. Joseph rose to power with only Pharaoh himself being greater. He was placed in a position to feed multitudes of people, including his father and brothers during seven years of famine.

Peter had to be prepared by going through some very humbling experiences; he was a powerful man but a proud man as well. The Lord had to humble him before He could use him. Most strong leaders have a lot of natural talent, but they are also full of themselves (pride) and have to learn how to depend on God. They have to trade in their self-confidence for God-confidence.

Your pain can become someone else’s gain. Your mess can become your ministry if you will have a positive attitude and decide to let everything you go through prepare you for what is ahead.

Lord, I humble myself before You and recognize I can do nothing of lasting value apart from You. Work through all that’s going on in my life to prepare me for what is ahead. Amen.