Falling Up
"For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again…" - Prov. 24:16 (NASB)
The Word of God instructs us, from Genesis to Revelation, that we are to live a certain way as people of God. Although we never really achieve this during our earthly existence, that does not mean that we quit trying. Many righteous and godly people before us failed God. For example, Moses lost his temper with those whom he was leading, David lusted, committed adultery, and murdered, and Peter had a unique way of speaking before his brain engaged properly. There are many more examples, but the point is made. And yet, in spite of their failures, they are not defined by their failures. Why is this? They fell, but they got back up.
We are not defeated until we stay down. Our own actions, life's misfortunes, spiritual attacks, and tests from the LORD all contain the possibility of knocking us down. Sometimes, falling is part of the test. However, regardless of the cause of our fall, the most important action is that we get back up. I believe that it is the intention of God that we rise again after falling, and soon. In my own life, some of the greatest lessons I have learned have come through falling. Also, some of the most powerful revelations of God Himself came during a fall. In fact, Paul tells us, "…God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God…" (Rom. 8:28, NASB) Notice Solomon's words. He does not merely say a righteous man falls, but falls seven times. That is not necessarily an encouraging thought, but it is a true one. However, the focus of the verse is not on the falling, but the rising. I believe when Solomon uses "righteous" he is not merely referring to good or right deeds by honorable men. I think that he is referring to a righteousness that is beyond the grasp of human effort, a righteousness that comes from God. If that is true, then perhaps the way to righteousness is falling in human effort and rising up in God's power. Paul said, "I die daily." (1 Cor. 15:30, NASB) Christ told Paul, "…My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness…" (2 Cor. 12:9, NASB) Do not be afraid to fall. When you reach the bottom, that is where Christ is most able to work.
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