Finding the Strength to Rise Above Your Situation

Proverbs 24:16 For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

Message:  Finding the Strength to Rise Above Your Situation

When things crumble and come crashing down, God’s people can find new strength to rise above rather than living life beneath the rubble.  Rubble defined (fragments of broken buildings: broken stones, bricks, and other materials from buildings that have fallen down or been demolished). 

The bible has many examples of those who had to rise above their circumstance. Moses was disinherited by Pharaoh- Ex 7:14-  Pharoah’s heart is hardened and he refuses to let the people go. (Moses received deliverance from God).

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Genesis 37:20  Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, some evil beast hath devoured him; and we shall see what will become of his dreams. (Joseph received deliverance from God and was promoted).

The Apostle Paul was convicted as a serial killer.  Acts 9:13 – Then Ananiah answered Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem. (Saul was delivered by God and promoted).

David sinned with Bathsheba and murdered her husband. (II Samuel 12:14 – Howbeit because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die   Bathsheba’s baby by David).  However David repented by fasting and praying and God forgave Him-and he went forward.

Mary Magdalene was a woman with personal demons. (Luke 8:2 And certain women which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene out of whom went seven devils).  Mary was set free from God and she served him.

God’s strength caused each of these individuals to defy the odds and rise above their adverse situations. 

Finding strength to RISE ABOVE my situation means that I need to:

Make Peace with God – Proverbs 16:7  - When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.   Psalm 139:23-24-Search me O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Romans 8:28 – All things work together for the good of them that love God.  Matthew 6:33 Seek you first the Kingdom of God and all of his righteousness and all of these things shall be added..

The goal of our heart should be to please God.

 Sometimes people attempt to make a deal with God in order to get him to do what they require.  Lord, if you bless me with this request, I will be a tither.  These persons are looking for help – not God.

 II Cor 5: 17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away behold all things are become new. When a person is seeking help from God but not a relationship with God – once the help is obtained - they will not change.  

AS YOU SEEK TO RISE - BE OBEDIENCE ORIENTED, NOT RESULTS ORIENTED – Mark 13:33 – Take ye heed, watch and pray for ye know not when the time is.  (watch- observe: to look at and keep your attention on something or somebody over a period of time).

   Results Oriented-  We begin looking for immediate outcomes.  We tend to take shortcuts and justify compromise.  We start to match God’s performance against our expectations. James 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. 24 – For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  Carnal Watchman-Seeking Rewards from God without repentance.

   Obedience Oriented –  James 1:22 – But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. We see every event as an opportunity to grow.  Obedience does not require explanations to satisfy the demands which we all struggle in times of calamity.   Instead we focus on how can I better serve you. Spiritual watchman – Seeking rewards from God while living Holy!

MOST OF THE IMPORTANT THINGS IN THE WORLD HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE KEPT ON TRYING WHEN THERE SEEMED TO BE NO HOPE.

Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you.  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go!

Courage is not a feeling you have to stir up.  It is not an emotion that you wait for.  COURAGE IS A COMMAND.  IT IS AN ACTION THAT YOU TAKE BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN COMMANDED TO DO SO, REGARDLESS OF WHERE EVER YOUR KNEES ARE KNOCKING  IT IS A CHOICE YOU DO MAKE, NOT A FEELING YOU WAIT FOR.  Courage is not the absence of fear.  Rather, courage is moving forward in spite of fear.  A GOOD SOLDIER UNDERSTANDS COMMANDS.  If he is ordered to stand up, then regardless of how he feels, he stands up.  God says, I command you to be courageous.  Our reply needs to be, Yes, Lord!