Get Back Up

Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. (Job 14:1-9)

The Book of Job offers powerful lessons in faith, trust, and waiting on the Lord. Many people know Job’s story and relate to his suffering. His experience raises the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Some also question God’s love when He allows Satan to afflict Job. Yet Job reminds us to remain faithful while we wait for God to act. King Solomon said, “If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.” (Ecclesiastes 11:3). A fallen tree stays where it lands unless something moves it. When we fall, we too can remain where we are—or get back up. Scripture says, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again...” (Proverbs 24:16). God does not want us to stay down; He calls us to rise, even if we must do so seven times. The small oak trees along Glory Rd. in Farmerville, LA illustrate this hope. They were cut down last summer because they stood over an underground electrical supply line. More than a year later, nearly every stump has sprouted new growth.
Jesus was killed and buried, but He rose again after three days. If you have lost hope and feel stuck, take courage: it is time to rise. Jesus does not want you to remain down. He wants you to get up and walk in the abundant life He came to give you.