Humbly Broken

Winter is flying but it's still here, and this past month we have gone very deep in our A Winter Breaking series. I pray it has been a blessing to you, but more than anything, to your soul. Let’s continue.

No layers.
No hiding.
Below the ice.

Last week, we focused on allowing God to get below the ice and beneath the surface of what we portray to the world. The sole (soul—no pun) intent of this is so that God can reach the depth of our souls to uproot and break what no longer belongs (or what should have never belonged), and guide us into the direction of holy change, change that brings us freedom and Him glory.

As I’m sure you’ve heard before: in order for there to be change, there must first be awareness and acceptance.

Not perfectionistic behaviors.
Not striving.
Not self-condemnation.

Awareness and acceptance.

This is one of the reasons why reading the Word is so important. The Bible is many beautiful things, but one thing I know without a doubt is that it can act as a mirror.

How, you may ask?

Because when we read it, it doesn’t just show us who God is; it also gives us the opportunity to see ourselves clearer. And in doing so, awareness is formed.

We begin to see:

• who God has called us to be

• what He has placed inside of us

• and what within us does not align with His Word or His order

But God does not just want to bring awareness. He wants to bring transformation and divine breakthroughs.

As I reflect on how God has brought breakthrough in my own life, what I realize is that one of the keys to unlocking it was HUMILITY.

Humility can be defined in various ways. Here, I am specifically referring to pride, self-reliance, “I am who I am” attitudes, resistance to change, and so forth.

God gave us the gift of free will, and even as sovereign as He is, we must still invite Him into our lives by humbling ourselves before what He has shown us needs our attention and surrender.

God is graceful, but He does not mind exposing the things He desires to break within us. The word expose can sound harsh, but God is gentle. He does not expose to condemn; He exposes to correct. His heart is for us to humble ourselves and ultimately yield to His gracious breaking so that we can come out of what has been revealed.

Coming out of things like shame, unforgiveness, bitterness, idols, offense, pride, and whatever may be specific to each one of us. He wants to uproot it all.

God knows exactly what must be removed in order for us to experience the next level or season as He has planned.

But we must be honest and admit that it is far easier to pray, “Lord, show me what I need to change,” than it is to actually humble ourselves before Him and allow that change to take its course.

But as I’ve been preaching and will continue to preach: God’s breaking is necessary.

But the only way that process can begin, Sis, is for us to first humble ourselves.

Humility in Action (no special order):

Acknowledgment

Once we become aware, we must acknowledge. Acknowledgment means coming face-to-face with your reality, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s recognizing problematic habits, attitudes, and beliefs that you’ve held onto for too long. It means checking the tendency to ignore God’s nudging, those quiet but loud nudgings.

Ask yourself: What has God been instructing me to do or speaking to me about over the last 10+ years that I haven’t responded to or moved on?

Acknowledgment is facing the facts, even when it’s difficult. Remember, God already knows, and He’s ready to help you step into honesty with yourself.

Repentance

Repent means to turn away, turning away from what you know is not pleasing to the Lord. Then intentionally step and walk in the direction that aligns with who He says you are as His daughter and how He has called us to live, as salt of the earth.

Releasing Comfort and Control

Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result is insanity, Sis. That’s why we must release what we’re used to.

Naturally, we are creatures of habit. Our nervous system seeks comfort in order to feel safe. We are drawn to what is familiar because it gives us a sense of control and protection.

But in all honesty, it’s a false sense of safety. True safety comes only from walking in alignment with God’s will, which keeps us under His grace and mercy.

Being in the safety of God’s will requires that we follow Him and move when He says move. Thus, this walk will indeed require us to let go of familiarity and control.

We see this throughout the Bible, and it is especially evident in the story of Abraham. He was directed to leave everything and everyone familiar without question or hesitation.

This is the same yielding and humbling that God will require of us. It’s not optional when you want to experience the fullness of what He has prepared.

Partnering with Holy Spirit in Faith and Action

I know, Sis, this is a lot to take in. But here’s what I love about God: we are never alone. His Spirit dwells within us and knows exactly the process that must take place. The Holy Spirit is personal, our Helper, Comforter, Teacher, and Lover of our souls.

Humility involves breaking pride and self-reliance. You do not have to do this on your own. God only needs your yes, your faith as small as a mustard seed, and your intentional decision to partner with Him and allow Him to work in you.

Change isn’t instant, and the process isn’t always easy. But as you humbly yield, acknowledge, repent, and release control, God meets you in every step. His Spirit will guide, comfort, and strengthen you. So take heart, because He is faithful and He is already at work in you. Say yes, trust Him, and watch Him bring what’s hidden into the light for your good and His glory.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I come before You open and willing. Bring awareness to anything in me that does not align with Your will. Give me the humility to acknowledge what You reveal and the grace to surrender it fully to You.

Reach below the ice and beneath the surface of my heart. Break and uproot whatever no longer belongs, even what has been buried for years. Expose what You desire to heal and remove, and lead me into holy change that brings freedom in me and glory to You.

Help me release what I have held onto, let go of pride, self-reliance, and resistance, and yield to Your gracious breaking. I trust Your loving work within me and welcome the transformation You desire to bring.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scriptures to meditate on this week:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (NIV, 1 Peter 5:6)

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (NIV, 2 Peter 3:9)

“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (NIV, Luke 14:11)