February 20
Pride
and the Fall
"If you are proud, you will be destroyed. If you are proud, you will fall."
Proverbs 16:18 (NIrV)
Candace was unstoppable in the pool. From the moment she started swimming competitively, her natural talent set her apart. Her shelves were lined with medals, and her name was on the lips of every coach and commentator in her league. But Candace’s victories came with a cost.
At practice, her teammates heard her cutting remarks:
“Don’t bother trying to beat me—you’ll just embarrass yourself.”
“Maybe next time, you’ll manage to come in second instead of third.”
Candace relished the attention and dominance. She believed she had earned the right to rub her success in others’ faces. Her pride fueled her confidence, but it also built a wall between her and everyone else.
One evening, as Candace trained, she pushed herself harder than ever to prepare for an upcoming national competition. She felt invincible, certain that nothing could stop her. But during a high-intensity lap, she miscalculated her dive and landed awkwardly in the water. A sharp pain shot through her shoulder.
The doctors confirmed her worst fear: a severe rotator cuff injury. Recovery would take months, and her chance to compete at nationals was gone. Candace was devastated. The accolades and admiration she once enjoyed faded quickly, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
In the quiet of her home, Candace replayed the events that led to her fall. Her heart grew heavy as she realized how her pride had blinded her. She had driven away teammates who once cheered for her and turned competition into a platform for self-praise.
One night, as tears streamed down her face, Candace reached for the Bible her grandmother had given her years ago. She flipped through its pages, landing on Proverbs 16:18: “If you are proud, you will be destroyed. If you are proud, you will fall.”
The words hit her like a wave. Candace sank to her knees and whispered, “Lord, I’ve been so focused on myself that I’ve forgotten You. I thought I could do everything on my own, but now I see how wrong I was. Please forgive me and help me change.”
As weeks turned into months, Candace began physical therapy and worked on rebuilding not just her shoulder but her relationships. She reached out to her teammates, apologizing for her arrogance and asking for their forgiveness. Some responded warmly, while others were hesitant, but Candace remained humble and patient.
When she eventually returned to the pool, her mindset had shifted. She no longer swam to prove her superiority but to glorify God and enjoy the gift He had given her.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for teaching us that pride can lead to destruction but humility brings us closer to You.
Like Candace, we sometimes forget that our talents and successes are blessings from You, not reasons to exalt ourselves.
Help us to honor You in all we do and to treat others with kindness and respect.
May we learn to rely on You instead of our own strength.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
