Rise up to the challenges you have today. Only you can do what you were created to do. What are you hoping to accomplish today? It's not about yesterday anymore, or tomorrow. It's about rising up to the occasion today. What will it take for you to rise up and deal with the issues/obstacles right in front of you today? Not tomorrow's issues/obstacles because tomorrow is not here yet.
Today, how can you rise up to face your fears or challenges? Where do you need to be to accomplish what you need to do? Who do you need on your team to do this? Or is this one of those times where it will only take you abandoning all fears and just going for it? All these questions are only meant to stir in you a desire to RISE UP!
Think about this... We always encourage babies, when they are are learning to walk, to get up and keep trying over and over again. Even when they fall, we encourage them--and they keep trying. In the beginning, babies hold on to so many things just to keep themselves steady as they learn the art of walking. Until they finally realize the true independence that comes with walking freely without any help or holding on to anything. And ONE DAY, they rise up and start walking all on their own. What a proud moment... a personal accomplishment in their world! A great joy for the parents too :).
Two stories in the Bible are good reminders that it truly takes faith to rise up... that means, you have to make an effort and believe that you will be able to rise up. First, talking to the paralyzed man at the pool who had been there for 38 years, but couldn't get anyone to help him into the pool when the water was stirred to get healed: "Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.And that day was the Sabbath." (John 5:8-9) Second, the lame man who was begging at the temple gates: "Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength." (Acts 3:6-7)
In both instances, their miracles were immediate. BUT! If these two men didn't rise up, with faith, their lives would never have changed for the better. Your victory may be immediate (today) or it may take some time. However, the victory (change or miracle) will only come if/when you rise up! Look at your life, is it time to rise up? Don't be afraid or overly cautious. Be wise, take courage and rise up!
PS: By the end of writing this entry... I was so excited about this thought and ready to RISE UP! So, let's do this!
