Paul had to “get over himself” as a young man. Though he was well-educated and exalted in status, he was blinded by his pride to the true Gospel. Once he has his encounter with Jesus, he knew he had to change, he had quite the humbling experience on the road. He wrote in by The Holy Spirit in 2nd Corinthians chapter 12:
7 The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me. For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me, keeping me from becoming arrogant. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. 9 But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. 10 So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my Love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.
Think not that your mental or physical faculties and prowess are sufficient in any way to walk according to THE SPIRIT. Paul had to have a change in his mindset in order to remove his confidence in his past fleshly achievements. His past résumé meant nothing when it came to walking in Spiritual power. It was actually a hindrance to him.
Our past physical, educational, or professional experience makes no difference when seeking greater revelation toward full maturity. What matters is where we are going, not where we have been. HIS grace is all we need as we humble ourselves before FATHER!
FATHER sent an angel to Daniel as it is written by The Holy Spirit in chapter 10:
10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”
15 When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. 16 And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. 17 For how can this servant of my lord talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me.”
18 Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!”
So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince).
As I have written to you recently, angels are assigned to us that we may fulfill our individual callings. FATHER dispatched this angel after Daniel set his heart to understand and humbled himself before Our Heavenly Father. The result was that his words (prayers) were heard and the angel was dispatched because of his prayer.
Many believers are seeking understanding but how many are truly humbling themselves before FATHER? Isn’t this second aspect of humbling himself the same thing Paul spoke of when he had to “get over himself”? What are you willing to do concerning your past aspirations and current expectations?
It is not about what you and I want apart from FATHER’S plan, it is about fully submitting to HIM in all areas, without exception. Abraham was told to leave a country for another and he became instrumental on behalf of the Kingdom. The rich young ruler did not submit to Jesus’ directive and his story ended. One man had great faith and trust in The Word, the other didn’t.
These are two contrasting examples to show the need to humble ourselves in all areas of our lives. James wrote by The Holy Spirit in chapter 4 of his epistle:
6 But HE continues to pour out more and more grace upon us. For it says,
“God resists you when you are proud
but continually pours out grace when you are humble.”
7 So then, surrender to GOD. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will turn and run away from you. 8 Move your heart closer and closer to GOD, and HE will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting. 9 Feel the pain of your sin, be sorrowful and weep! Let your joking around be turned into mourning and your joy into deep humiliation. 10 Be willing to be made low before the Lord and HE will exalt you!
Be humble and submit to FATHER.