YOU ONCE LOOKED SMALL IN YOUR OWN EYES

6/25/2026

“When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord anoint you king over Israel?” — 1 Samuel 15:17

These words were spoken by the prophet Samuel to Saul after Saul had disobeyed the Lord. Samuel reminded him of something important: there was a time when he was little in his own eyes. There was a time when he recognized his need for God and depended on Him completely.

One of the greatest virtues in the life of a believer is humility. Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself correctly in light of God’s grace. It is the recognition that everything you have, everything you are, and everything you will ever become is because of God. The moment a person begins to trust in their own wisdom, strength, or accomplishments, they place themselves in a dangerous position.

Saul’s downfall was not a lack of gifting or opportunity. God had given him both. His downfall began when he stopped seeing himself through the lens of dependence on God. The humility that qualified him for leadership was gradually replaced by self-reliance and pride. What started with submission ended with disobedience.

As believers, we must guard our hearts carefully. Success should never cause us to forget the God who gave it. Promotion should deepen our gratitude, not inflate our ego. The more God blesses and elevates us, the more humble and dependent upon Him we should become.

Scripture repeatedly teaches that God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5). Humility keeps us teachable, obedient, and sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. It positions us to receive wisdom, correction, and direction from the Lord. Proud people trust in themselves; humble people trust in God.

Perhaps God has blessed your ministry, business, career, or family. Celebrate His goodness, but never lose the posture of humility. Never forget the days when you prayed desperately, trusted completely, and depended wholly on His grace. The God who lifted you is the One who sustains you.

Today, let humility be your strength. Stay little in your own eyes and great in your estimation of God. When you remain humble before the Lord, His grace will continually rest upon your life.

Faith-Filled Confession

I walk in humility before God. I acknowledge that every good thing in my life comes from Him. I refuse pride, self-reliance, and arrogance. My trust is in the Lord alone. His grace sustains me, His wisdom guides me, and His strength empowers me. I remain humble, teachable, and dependent upon Him, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.