After the Miracle

Today's Devotional Thought
May 11, 2016 by Rachel Piferi

Rise Up

There is nothing sweeter than a word from the Lord. And this afternoon, I want to share with you a word that He gave me as I was driving today. I am literally parked in a random parking lot about 30 minutes from home right now. I have my car running and my laptop out. And, I'm writing to you right here because I was so afraid that if I didn't stop immediately and write, I would lose some of the depth of what I want to share with you.

As I was driving I was thinking of everything that is going on in the lives of so many I know. I wish I could even express the depth of pain that many I know are going through right now. As I was driving, I was thinking of and praying for so many I know who are going through the valley. Financial. Illness. Relational. Personal. You name it and someone I know is going through it. And honestly, this year has been rough for the Piferi 5 too! Oh we've had our moments of great joy and we've seen God work in some mighty ways, but we have also had a hard journey so far this year.

It is what I call a character building year (smile).

If I said I wasn't a little weary, I'd be lying. And, if I said that I haven't had some moments of doubt and confusion, I'd also be lying.

But you know what?

I would also not be telling the whole truth if I didn't tell you that I have had some moments of crazy strength to endure too.

Not my strength by any means.

All Jesus.

And He's the reason I felt so compelled to pull over and write some of this. For all those who feel like they're a tad weary, a tad unbelieving, and need a little crazy strength to endure, this is for you.

As I was driving, a song came on the radio that I just had to share. You know I love to share songs with you all. At so many times of my life, music has been the very voice of God to my soul. Music has comforted, instructed, motivated, and emboldened me.

I have worship songs. Praise songs. Searching songs. And fight songs.

And the one I must share with you now is a little praise, a little worship, and a little "get your fight on."

And here's the funny thing...its not technically a Christian song. But, I think you'll overlook that when you hear the inspiring anthem within its words and think about how it truly reflects the truth of Jesus.

Sister, if you are in a hard season, if you are weary, tired, questioning, tempted to disbelieve or give up, may I encourage you today? May I encourage you to keep on fighting. To keep on believing. To keep on moving mountains.

Life will knock you down.

Repeatedly.

And if you have been knocked down a thousand times this year, or even this day, may I speak truth to you and tell you to rise up.

Stand up. Firm. Fully secure in the truth that this world, with all of its hardships and illnesses and stress and disappointments and failures is not all there is.

God promises a hope and a future. He promises us that we can endure all things with Him. And He promises us that someday, we will not just rise up from being knocked down by life's trials, but we will rise up and meet Him face to face.

And we will spend eternity with Him.

Free of illness and pain and hardship and loss.

You can rise up a thousand times a day knowing someday, you'll rise up for that final time and be with Jesus forever.

That's the hope that Jesus brings.

And that's the hope that gets me back to my feet a thousand times a day.

Rise up sweet friend...

Rise up and shine, for your light has come. The shining-greatness of the Lord has risen upon you. For see, darkness will cover the earth. Much darkness will cover the people. But the Lord will rise upon you, and His shining-greatness will be seen upon you. Nations will come to your light. And kings will see the shining-greatness of the Lord on you. (Isaiah 60:1-3, NLV)

"Rise up and shine, for your light has come. The shining-greatness of the Lord has risen upon you. For see, darkness will cover the earth. Much darkness will cover the people. But the Lord will rise upon you, and His shining-greatness will be seen upon you. Nations will come to your your light. And kings will see the shining-greatness of the Lord on you."
~Isaiah 60:1-3 (NLV)