Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. James 4:10

            George Washington Carver was born into slavery during the Civil War.  After the war and the end of slavery, his master and wife raised him as their own son. He struggled with discrimination when he tried to get an education, but an education he did receive. In fact, he specialized in plants and farming.  Carver became a scientist known for his untiring work to help Southern farmers rejuvenate their land that had been depleted of nutrients through the raising of cotton.  He encouraged the growing of crops such as peanuts and soybeans to help put nitrogen back into the soil.

            Carver’s achievements eventually made him famous throughout the United States, but he always maintained a humble spirit. In relation to his work with peanuts, he wrote the following:  When I was young, I said to God, ‘God, tell me the mystery of the universe.’  But God answered, ‘That knowledge is reserved for Me alone.’ So, I said, ‘God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.’  Then God said, ‘Well, George, that’s more nearly your size.’  And He told me.

            If you were to read Isaiah 57, it reminds us that God truly dwells with those who are “of a contrite and humble spirit” – a humility that leads to repentance because of their sins.  What about me?  Am I willing to come before God in humility and with a repentant spirit, ask Him to show me His ways?  Am I willing to take a lowly position, giving credit to God alone for all that I am or hope to be?  Am I willing to forsake all to follow Him?  If I am faithful in doing the things that are ‘more nearly my size,’ I will receive His abundant blessing.