RISE UP AND KEEP GOING!

Every person at some point in their life has taken a “hit” that struck in such a way that they felt like they were down for the count! A friendship gone wrong. Sickness or disease in you or in a family member. A financial reversal. A job layoff or unexpected change.?

Discouragement, among other things, is designed to take you down and out. These obstacles are not designed by God. I am talking about the works of the enemy, the spirit of this age, the world’s system that moves against God’s people. It’s important for you to know how to rise up with Jesus no matter what comes your way.?

Sometimes we are hit with persecution for our faith. At other times we are hit with an attack or with a temptation. Then there are times that we face trials, difficulties, and problems that arise because of what we are doing in our family, in our business, or even in what we are doing for God.?

When the apostle Paul faced situations like this, he said:?But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us—is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own.?

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within [who keeps us safe].?

Yes, we live under constant danger to our lives because we serve the Lord, but this gives us constant opportunities to show forth the power of Jesus Christ within our dying bodies. (2 Corinthians 4:7-11 TLB).?

What a powerful word! Though we get knocked down, we get up and keep on going. The good news is, we have resurrection power in us! Any person who has walked with God has been through tests, trials, hits, and knocks! You may be hurting on the inside, even though it appears you are standing up on the outside. There may be a story that only you know about and because of it, there is deep pain in your life. This is the day for getting up and rising above the storm that has hit your life.?

You may be a teenager struggling with comparison, competition, or fears of the future. Because of the scrutiny or the judgement of your friends and peers, you feel discouraged and put down. You may be a senior citizen and you are facing situations with family and with your own health that have tried to discourage you and rob you of joy. Whatever you are facing, this is your day to rise up!?

Whatever you are facing, this is your day to rise up!