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Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2 Corinthians 12:7–9, LSB

As we walk in faith, our Lord does not want us to think too highly of ourselves. He can do great things through us and utilize us in ways to make great impacts for His ministry. However, human pride can become a hindrance to ministry. We all know self-righteous people. This does not necessarily mean they believe falsely or are not doing all they can to follow Christ. Pride makes us forgetful and can lead us into idolatrous practices. For this reason, God will humble His own and cause us to look to Him. This can cause some to bemoan God as if He did not finish the job, but for the humble in heart, it will cause deeper reflection and focus on all that God has done and continues to do. Suffering will also reveal those who are false teachers because a heart turned inward and not following Christ will quickly deny our Lord when faced with great difficulty. It is the calling of our Lord to humble ourselves in Him and sing our praises even when things are difficult, as we find our comfort in His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.