Healing Begins with Humility

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There’s a spiritual principle woven throughout Scripture: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6, ESV). Humility isn’t just a virtue; it’s the doorway to healing and to deeper intimacy with the Lord.

Pride forms a barrier. It convinces us we don’t need help—that we can figure things out on our own. But the truth is, if we’re not willing to admit that we don’t have it all together, we leave no room for growth. No room for grace.

The Blessing of Being a Work in Progress

There’s such comfort in remembering that we are a work in progress. That none of our mistakes have taken God by surprise. That He’s not standing at a distance shaking His head in disappointment. No—He’s ready to walk us through the process of becoming more like Him.

It blesses me deeply to know that Jesus is not embarrassed by my weakness. He knows I need Him. And that humble admission—“Lord, I need You”— is exactly the posture that draws His presence near. Scripture tells us, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12, ESV). When we place ourselves under God’s mighty hand, He lifts us up in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

Jesus and the Outcasts

Jesus consistently chose to dwell with the humble, the broken, the sinners and outcasts who knew they needed a Savior.

When asked why He spent time with those considered “unclean,” Jesus simply said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Matthew 9:12, ESV). He wasn’t interested in religious appearances. He was—and still is—interested in hearts.

We all have the same problem: a sin-sick heart in need of healing. And we all need Jesus. But only those who recognize their need will ask for help. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5, ESV). Asking requires humility. It requires a willingness to admit, “I don’t have all the answers.”

God’s Authority Is Not Like Man’s

Many of us struggle with the concept of submission, and it’s no wonder why. For some, those who were supposed to protect and care for us caused deep wounds instead. When authority is abused, it creates confusion—and walls. We begin to associate submission with control, manipulation and fear.

But God doesn’t coerce or manipulate. He invites, instructs, and corrects— always with love. We are free to follow Him or not. He offers us a relationship with Himself, but never forces us.

True authority, the kind that reflects God’s heart, serves. It lays itself down. “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28, ESV). Even Jesus submitted—He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).

He didn’t come as a mighty king in all his grandeur. He came riding a donkey, welcomed not by religious leaders but by the common people crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9, ESV). The proud didn’t recognize Him—but the humble did.

When We Refuse to Trust

When we’ve been wounded, it’s tempting to build walls of pride around our hearts. “I won’t be hurt again,” we say. “I don’t need anyone.” But in protecting ourselves, we end up keeping out the very healing God wants to bring.

I’ve seen it time and again—people who’ve been hurt by authority refuse to trust any form of leadership, even the godly kind. But that pride, that self-protection, can keep us stuck. We miss the blessing of receiving wisdom, protection and grace through the people God places in our lives.

Discipleship itself requires humility. To grow, we must be willing to learn from someone further along the road. We must be willing to say, “This person has something I need.” That’s not weakness—that’s wisdom.

Miracles of the Heart

I believe in physical healing—and I’ve seen God do it. But some of the greatest miracles I’ve witnessed have been in the heart and mind. I’ve seen God heal years of trauma, bitterness and fear. And it all starts with a prayer as simple as, “Lord, help me.”

He delights in that prayer. He draws near to the brokenhearted. He is not afraid of our mess, not overwhelmed by our past. He specializes in hard cases, and nothing is impossible for Him.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. There were times in my life when I believed I was too far gone—too broken to ever be of use to Him or anyone else. But I was wrong. By His grace, I’m here. I see the miracle every time I look in the mirror. He has healed me, and He continues to heal me.

Healing isn’t always instant. But it’s possible. “Only believe,” Jesus said (Mark 5:36, ESV).

Your Healing Is Not Just for You

We don’t walk through healing just for ourselves. We walk through it so that we can turn around and offer hope to others. Your story—yes, even the parts you wish you could erase—might be the exact story someone else needs to hear.

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, ESV). Your testimony might stir faith in someone else’s heart. Your journey of healing might be the spark that lights their way.

So don’t despise the process. Stay on the path of healing. Trust God with the wounds you’ve carried for too long. Humble yourself under His mighty hand. Let Him lift you up.

He is the God who heals hearts. He is near to you today. Will you let Him in?

If today’s message spoke to your heart, I’d love to invite you to join my email community. Each week, I share encouragement, resources, and reflections to help you grow in faith and grace right where you are.

Click here to join my email list and walk this journey together.

You’re not alone, friend. I’m cheering you on.With grace and truth,
Audrey

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