When Will He Heal Our Land? (Part 2)

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14
It’s time for part 2 of this series, and during this Victory Call I wanted to talk about humbling ourselves. Scripture is clear that when God spoke these words, it was in answer to Solomon’s prayer regarding Israel.  It was spoken uniquely to that nation, as God had a special covenant relationship with them. If we, His covenant people, exercise humility, prayer, and repentance, and if we continuously seek God’s face, we can ask the Lord’s blessings for our nation as well. It reminds me of Psalm 1:1-3 in a sense.
When I looked further for verses pertaining to humility, I saw that there are two “subcategories” to this – humbling ourselves before the Lord and humbling ourselves before others. One of the greatest acts of humility we can exercise on our part to please the Lord is confessing our sins to God. It’s important to remember that confession is not a suggestion, but a command. If we confess our sins to God, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Matthew 23:12 also points back to 2 Chronicles 7:14. It states: For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
The second “subcategory” is being humble before others. Referencing what I wrote about in Part 1 of this series, it’s no secret that our political climate today is bringing out everyone’s “bad side” – even our brothers and sisters in Christ. Philippians 2:3 states, Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. We as the body of Christ can’t continuously bicker and insult those who disagree, but instead speak life to others. This verse is telling us to put others above ourselves. We don’t want to practice disobedience by insulting others. Instead, we should be one of the most loving people that nonbelievers know. How do we do that? By following the 1 Corinthians 13 standard of love and by loving one another with brotherly affection and outdoing one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10).
I get it – it’s so easy to experience frustration and anger with people who don’t share our convictions… but look at Jesus. He is the epitome of exercising humility and putting others before Himself… both His followers and His critics. If we want to live like Jesus, we have to love like Jesus and humble ourselves like Jesus. Good thing we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us to continuously teach us how to do that, amen?
Erin
Erin Culleny serves as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She loves encouraging women through her Victory Calls and finds such joy in praying for her sisters in Christ. She is so excited that after 5 years on Summer Staff, she now has the opportunity to serve at Keswick year-round. Her favorite activities include reading her Bible, encouraging others with scripture, buying new dresses, and eating at the Cheesecake Factory… In that order!