Humbled

God has a funny way of humbling us sometimes.
Like when you get all psyched up to lead worship for a couple thousand people, then, as it turns out, you only play for fifteen? It's not the best feeling in the world.
BUT, in the midst of disappointment, we can remember that it makes no difference how many people are worshipping with us, because it's not a show.
God will humble those who exalt themselves, and exalt those who are humbled, in His time. We are all servants of the same Lord, no one person more important than the other. The body of Christ exists when all the parts work together and encourage everyone.
So, when things aren't going my way, it helps me to meditate on the words of the song "Blessed Be Your Name."
You give and take away,
You give and take away.
My heart will choose to say,
Lord, blessed be your name.
No matter what happens to us in life, whether it changes for better or worse, God stays the same. He has always been and will always be a loving, fair but compassionate, glorious Father. I trust that He is not going to desert me today or ever, and He has an ultimate plan of hope for each of His followers.
To keep us from becoming conceited, sometimes we have to be humbled by God. Paul wrote about a "thorn in his flesh" that kept him from boasting. Because honestly, what do we have to boast about? Time and time again we prove that we are nothing without our Savior. Only by his unbelievable grace did Jesus white out our sins so we could have a personal relationship with Him. Then, as that relationship grows, God's plan for our lives is revealed, and we can do great things for the Kingdom. So really, it's got nothing to do with who we are or our successes, and everything to do with who Jesus is and what he's done.
Christianity is the only religion (or one of the only ones) that doesn't focus on good deeds for salvation. Plus, thankfully, it's the truth! We recognize that we do nothing but fail on our own. God never fails, which makes Him just what we need. F.R.O.G. Fully Rely On God, not yourself, and you will receive your reward in Heaven.

Ephesians 2:8-10
"For it by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."