For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Proverbs 24:16
If you fall seven times, get up eight. Don’t stay down; that’s exactly where Satan wants you. In the scripture above, we are reminded that even though we may fall, we will rise again. As followers of Christ, we’re assured that we will recover from setbacks.
Scripture not only warns us of affliction ahead, but it also reminds us of the God who will rescue us.
We all face trials of many kinds. For some, they’re in the form of marital issues or financial problems. Then again, it may be health or job-related. We know we are not exempt from said trials.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3
Sometimes these trials and tribulations feel unbearable, but take heart; God is in complete control, even when you don’t feel Him near.
Any time we face hardships, we feel depleted and even become bitter. We feel as though we’ve fallen. I know that’s absolutely true for me.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
Psalm 34:19
We remember that in the book of Daniel, his three friends were thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to idols, and Daniel himself was thrown into a den of lions. There are many stories of hardship throughout scripture.
Whatever they faced, God was always present. They simply dusted themselves off and continued the journey.
It’s not always easy. In fact, it’s extremely difficult most of the time, but getting up and going forward is important if we’re to live an abundant life in Christ. If we don’t try, we risk being stagnant.
Picking ourselves up from the pit of despair also helps us to stop complaining and to actually do something about our circumstances.
I’ve known people who’ve stayed in their circumstances for years and years. They’re so close to freedom, but the lack of motivation or, perhaps, fear will keep them down forever, unless they act on it.
The key is to focus on God rather than the problem.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
Psalm 143:8
Persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:9
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
Through strength and power in Christ alone, we can do all things. We can overcome our failures and rise again.
Many blessings,
Connie
