“The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.’”
(Matthew 8:8, NIV)
A Posture That Moves Heaven
There’s something striking about the centurion’s words to Jesus. In a culture where Roman soldiers commanded authority, respect, and often fear, this man bowed his pride and admitted: “Lord, I am not worthy.”
He didn’t lead with his credentials. He didn’t lean on his accomplishments. He didn’t argue that his good deeds earned him a favor from Jesus. Instead, he came with humility.
And Jesus noticed.
This moment reminds us that faith that pleases God is always tied to humility. It’s not about impressing Him with our knowledge, titles, or resumes. It’s about coming empty-handed, fully aware of our need for Him.
In a world that teaches us to project strength, polish, and independence, humility feels countercultural. But humility is the soil where true faith grows.
Why Humility Matters
Humility doesn’t mean belittling yourself or pretending you’re worthless. Biblical humility is about seeing yourself rightly, acknowledging your limitations while honoring God’s greatness.
The centurion recognized both truths:
- His own unworthiness.
- Jesus’ supreme authority.
That balance of honest humility and bold faith is exactly what drew Jesus’ amazement.
James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Pride builds walls between us and God; humility opens the door wide to His presence and power.
Women of Humble Faith in Scripture
The Bible is full of women who knew their need for God and found His favor through humility.
- Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9–20):
In her anguish, Hannah poured out her heart before God, admitting her deep need for a child. She didn’t try to control the outcome; she surrendered in prayer. God answered, and her son Samuel became one of Israel’s greatest prophets.
- The Woman With the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25–34):
For twelve years she suffered, excluded and unclean. Yet in humility she reached for the hem of Jesus’ garment. She didn’t demand His attention; she simply touched His robe, believing that was enough. Jesus honored her faith and made her whole.
- Mary, the Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:38):
When the angel declared she would bear the Son of God, Mary didn’t list her qualifications or question why she was chosen. In humility she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
These women remind us that humility isn’t weakness—it’s the strength of surrender.
Humility in Our Everyday Lives
For modern women, humility may look different but it’s just as vital.
- In our families: Admitting we don’t have all the answers as mothers, wives, sisters, or daughters, and seeking God’s wisdom daily.
- In our work: Acknowledging that every talent, opportunity, and success is a gift from God, not just the fruit of our own effort.
- In our struggles: Choosing to lean on God’s strength rather than pretending we can carry it all on our own.
Humility shows up when you whisper, “Lord, I can’t do this without You.” Whether you’re navigating parenting challenges, job stress, singleness, marriage, or health battles, humility invites God’s power into your weakness.
The Danger of Self-Sufficiency
Our culture celebrates independence: “You’ve got this. Do it all. Be everything.” But that mindset subtly shifts our hearts toward self-sufficiency, leaving little room for God.
Pride says: “I can fix this.”
Humility says: “God, I need You to lead this.”
Jesus told a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector (Luke 18:9–14). The Pharisee stood proudly, listing his religious achievements. The tax collector beat his chest and prayed simply, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus said the humble man went home justified before God.
The lesson? God is not impressed by our resumes. He responds to a humble heart.
Humility in Action – A Relevant Picture
Think for a moment about Peter in Luke 5. After a long night of catching nothing, Jesus told him to let down his nets once more. Peter could have relied on his own experience as a fisherman and dismissed the carpenter’s instructions. But instead, he humbly responded, “Because You say so, I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5). That act of surrender led to a miraculous catch so large the nets began to break.
Peter’s humility, choosing to admit his need and obey Jesus rather than lean on his own wisdom, opened the door to abundance.
Isn’t that often where God meets us too? In the moments when we’ve exhausted our strength, run out of ideas, or come to the end of ourselves, humility says: “Because You say so, Lord.”
Maybe for you, that looks like choosing to forgive even when it feels undeserved. Maybe it looks like tithing faithfully when finances are tight. Or maybe it’s simply admitting that you don’t have all the answers and asking God to lead you step by step.
True humility doesn’t push us away from God—it pulls us closer, creating space for His power to be revealed.
Humility and Confidence - Two Sides of Faith
It’s important to see that humility isn’t about shrinking back in fear. The centurion was both humble and confident. He admitted his unworthiness, yet boldly declared, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.”
That’s the beauty of faith. Humility keeps us dependent on God; confidence keeps us bold in God.
Hebrews 4:16 reminds us: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Friends, we don’t come to God because we deserve it. We come because His grace welcomes us.
Reflection for the Heart
Humility isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. The centurion’s humble recognition of his need opened the way for Jesus to perform a miracle.
Could it be that some of the breakthroughs we long for are waiting on us to kneel a little lower? To surrender a little deeper? To admit we cannot, but God can?
Let’s be women who carry humble hearts before our Savior. Hearts that whisper every morning: “Lord, I need You. Every hour, I need You.”
Reflection Questions for You
- Where in my life am I trying to handle everything in my own strength instead of depending on God?
- How can I start each day with a posture of humility before the Lord?
- Who in my life can I encourage by modeling humble faith?
A Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that humility opens the way to Your power. Forgive me for the times I’ve leaned on my own strength. Teach me to recognize my daily need for You and to depend fully on Your grace. Give me a humble heart that honors You, and the bold faith to ask big prayers even while confessing my weakness. May my life reflect both surrender and confidence in You. In Your name, Amen.
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