I am still reflecting on Darren's "pride" comment... I'm not upset about it, but honed in on reflection, what I need to change, and how to do it. I've been reading about it and I am reminded of King Nebuchadnezzar.

Now, he was someone who was full of himself. His mentality was, "I have built this great city of Babylon, and I am in control. I am better than others and work harder. Look at how smart I am. Others owe me honor & glory." He was certainly arrogant & full of himself.

But the book of Daniel goes on to talk about how Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that made him scared. Daniel interpreted the dream, telling the king that he would become like an animal if he did not give up his sinful pride... but Nebuchadnezzar didn't listen.

In the end, the cure for Nebuchadnezzar's sin was for God to recalibrate (??) his soul. The dream came true, and he became like an animal for a while. And after his humiliation & restoration, the king said,

And with his new humility & gratitude for God, Nebuchadnezzar also saw that his kingdom was a gift from God, but more importantly, that God was the one who made him prosper.

Our cure for pride is possible because Jesus Christ came to this world as a servant - he set aside his rightful place in heaven, and took on the form (and pains) of man. He also took on the pain we deserve, so that we could have a closer relationship with God, for a chance to be with Him in heaven. His sacrifice can cure our pride, and other sins, but only if we confess them to Him... combat our sin with the knowledge of the scripture, thereby strengthening our faith in Him to lead us through this trial.

God is an awesome Father, who wants us to succeed... but He is also a just Father, allowing us to reap what we have sown. I can't think of any loving parent who would allow their child to struggle because of what they have brought upon themselves.