2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) 

Four Conditions

1) I admit I’m not in control.
“If my people will humble themselves...”
2 Chronicles 7:14a

Humility is the first step to healing

What is humility?

1. Confess your sin to God the moment you realize it.
   
   
2. Humility is forgiving quickly.
   
   
3. When you're treated unfairly, be quiet and patient and don't retaliate.
   
   
4. Look for ways to serve others instead of expecting to be served, that's humility.
   
   
5. When you don’t fight for the best seat, table or parking spot.
   
   
6. Intentionally befriending people that other overlook.
   
   
7. Respect those in authority.
   
   
8. When you admit your weakness and your sins to a few safe people.
   
   
9. When you do the little things that others won’t do.
   
   
10. Pray for your enemies.
    
    
11. Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.

Four things God will do in your life if you work on this

If I’m humble, God will guide me. 
“God leads the humble in the right way and teaches them his will.”  Psalm 25:9 (TEV)

If I’m humble, God will bless me.
“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts...”  Isaiah 66:2 (NLT)

If I’m humble, God will give me power to change. 
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  James 4:6

If I’m humble, God will reduce my stress.
Jesus, “Take the yoke I give you... and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble, and I will restore deep rest to your soul.”   Matthew 11:29


2) Ask God for Help.
“If my people... will pray...”  2 Chronicles 7:14b

Jesus: “. . . I tell you the truth, my Father will give you anything you ask for in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you’ll receive, so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.”  John 16:23-24 (NCV)

• Jesus wants us to ask
  
  
• Ask in Jesus’ name
  
  
• Get other people to pray with you.
  
  
• Believe and expect and answer.
  
  
• Keep on praying till God tells you to stop.

3) Seek God, not a miracle.
“If my people… will seek my face...”
2 Chronicles 7:14c

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.”  Proverbs 8:17

“God rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 
Hebrews 11:6b (NIV)

“If you seek the Lord your God, you will find him IF you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For He is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you...”  Deuteronomy 4:29-31a (NIV)

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be given to you as well.”  Matthew 6:33


4) Turn your attention from the world to the Word.
“If my people . . . turn from their wicked ways...” 
2 Chronicles 7:14d 

Def. Wickedness is forgetting God
Turn means to repent

“If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. But if you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy.”  Proverbs 28:13 (NCV)

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”  James 5:16 (NIV)


Three Promises 
1) I will hear from Heaven

2) I will forgive their sins

3) I will heal their land



How To Pray In A Crisis

• Turn to God for Help
  - Remember how big God is
  - Remember what God has done
  - Remember what God has promised
  - Appeal to God’s character
  
  
• Admit my inadequacy
  
  
• Rely on God’s resources
  
  
• Relax in Faith
  
  
• Thank God in advance
  
  
• Expect God to turn battles into blessings