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!
