Rise…How To Get Back Up After Life Knocks You Down.
Navigating life’s twists and turns can be painfully disorienting. A sudden change of relational scenery can create a sense of emotional whiplash. Whether it’s raising children,struggling in a marriage, grieving the loss of a loved one, worrying about finances, battling loneliness or insecurity, facing infertility, or managing mental and physical health issues—all of this, and everything in between—can bring us to our knees in desperation. Yet, despite life’s storms, we have been called to endure, persevere, and overcome.
So, how can we do this with a genuine honesty about our feelings and trust that God’s plan for our lives is “good?” How do we endure these challenges and maintain our peace when the storms rage? How can we withstand the winds of change, without being overwhelmed by life’s crushing blows? Charles Spurgeon expressed it best: “I have learned to kiss the wave that slammed me up against the Rock of Ages.”
The truth is, our struggles aren’t the actual problem; our perception of them is. To walk in a way worthy of the calling God has placed on our lives (Ephesians 4:1-6), we need a perspective shift—a holy realignment, entirely focused on the One who speaks to the wind and calms the seas.
Scripture declares that Jesus came to set the captives free. This is beautiful news! You and I no longer need to bear the weight of fear, anxiety, shame, or chronic uncertainty. We are free to put one foot in front of the other and trust that God has already written our story. The enemy wants you tangled in knots and riddled with fear. He will use any lie he can to draw you into a mindset of doubting God’s goodness.
Satan’s greatest goal is to establish a stronghold of negativity, pride, and discontentment in your mind. But God did not create you to stay stuck in a season of perpetual hopelessness. You and I must raise our gaze and seek Christ’s face in order to rise from the ashes of despair.
We are created in God’s image to thrive, bear good fruit, and grow in our calling. We are meant for movement, change, transformation, and sanctification as we journey with God toward our holy purpose. We’re called to run the race, shift the needle, leave a faith-filled legacy, and impact a weary world.
The enemy of your soul will do anything to keep you trapped in doubt, fear, shame, and isolation. If we are to break free from a pattern of defeat, we need a plan. Let this be your battle cry: You are meant to rise! Rise above the ashes of shame and regret. Rise to the occasion of becoming who God has called you to be.
Friend, it’s time to “Rise up. Take courage. And do it!” (Ezra 4:10)
