King Nebuchadnezzar is Humbled — Step 7
STEP 7: We humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
God did a tremendous work in King Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4 of the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar was one of the greatest conquerors in the history of the world. He dominated the people of many nations, including Judah. He possessed power, fame, wealth, and influence. Nebuchadnezzar continued to brag about his greatness and claimed that he alone was responsible for the great city of Babylon. He refused to recognize that all power—even his power—was granted by God.
So God sent Nebuchadnezzar a dream. God’s message of humility: “King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.” Daniel 4:27 NLT
Nebuchadnezzar did not humble himself to the Lord and twelve months later as he overlooked Babylon he claimed, “Look at this great city. By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.” Daniel 4:30 NLT
Before Nebuchadnezzar could complete his prideful statement, God bellowed from heaven, “Oh King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you!” He then removed Nebuchadnezzar’s power and his sanity forcing him to live in the fields like a wild animal for a period of seven years. When Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity was finally restored, he humbly offered praise and glory to God.
Without humility, God cannot do the work necessary to remove our shortcomings. Just like Nebuchadnezzar, while we were stuck in a pattern of addiction and compulsive behaviors, life was crazy and it isn’t until we humble ourselves to God’s almighty power that we can begin a true restoration process. Purification can only come through humbly asking God to help us heal and remove the shortcomings that have kept us stuck in our own grandiose way of thinking.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Key Verse for Step 7
At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. Daniel 4:34 NLT
Examine your heart
- Even after God had warned Nebuchadnezzar, he still didn’t turn from his prideful ways. Did God provide you with similar warnings to change your life? What did you do about them?
- Because many of us have been hurt, trust is difficult and as a result, humility is not the norm. What do you do to stay focused on being humble and open to God’s will for your life?
- Removing all shortcomings is a big task. Are there some of them that are more difficult for you to ask for removal? And what can this group do to help you in that process?
Learn More—This story is found in Daniel Chapter 4. The book of Daniel is located on page 1078 of the second edition of The Life Recovery Bible.