Our own humility is something we all need to consider. Why is it was close our mouth when we give a surprised gift to someone, it is not to be exalted, but to humbly offer service for a need perhaps we know that we need ourselves or may need ourselves one day. That does not or ever seem like a reason for humility but many hope that when they are old if they cared for the old that younger people might remember them as well for they did what no one else could do for their elders. That generation gap is always an issue, and yet no matter how much we love or care, or tear down those gaps, distance can be an issue as well. These are things people are not wanting a pat on the back but a common courtesy from others. It is the same courtesy that a door is open, grocery are picked up, or grass is mowed for someone. It is a courtesy because all need a helping hand. The humbleness of help another is not any of these things in reality, but yes some need to be taught and each generation need to teach it. But humbleness not to exalt but to do the right thing because it helps others. Joseph in due time with his faithfulness to God,(story found in Genesis) was finally exalt when he gave aid to the king.

Part of being a shepherd is being able to wrestle things out with God, not just tending to the the flock as far as feeding them, you have to understand God is in charge and that you only a prince/princess in his kingdom. Jacob was chief of his family, and yet when he wrestle with God, God dislocated his hip to win. When he did Jacob would not let go but ask God for a blessing. He did not ask for anything particular just to be blessed. God blessed him by calling him a prince in his kingdom for he had power with God and with men and he prevailed in battle with God concerning the problem of seeing his brother. Jacob would see his brother Esau who was on the other side, but he himself was not coming empty handed to his brother.

Now there two types of shepherds in God's family, there leaders that help God in government and leaders that help God in ministry as far as the church. Both roles to be a good leader take humility and not exaltation of themselves but from others. God exalted Jacob. Peter is saying if you want to be a good shepherd you need to wait on God to exalt you. For God to confirm you. For God to establish you. Jacob asked God if he got to return to bethel that God would be his God. When he returned, God held him to it. God did not bring Jacob back to the promise land of Abraham without wealth. Bethel is where he had the dream of angels coming up and down a ladder to heaven. He knew that God was in that place by the dream he had. (Genesis 28).

When we humble ourselves to God he will exalt us and make us strong in our weakness. We can not lead without being humble, and we can not lead without strength. God must be the provide of all we need when it comes to spiritual faith. Our reliance must not be on man but on God. God often gives to us what we need. If we learn that our well doing has benefits, even evil people know it does, for everyone likes the effects of doing good to others. They know if they do well to others and bless them, then it will be returned.

God wants leaders not only strong during hardship but all year around. We can stand alone on the word of God and win. Just do what your suppose to do and not worry about the rest. Yes sometimes we pay a price for doing right. Did not Christ suffer for doing right? He went to the cross for our sin.

Dear Heavenly Father, strengthen your people and help them in their humility, as they help others. Build your leaders to be strong in your word and the hope of your word. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Genesis 32:21-32 KJV
21 So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company.
22 And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.
23 And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.
24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
32 Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.