In my original post about direction I said, “a plan is of no use without putting it into action!” How true! I am a dreamer – I often think about new directions, occasionally I even plan for a new direction, but it is rare that I put a plan into action. To be fair, not all plans should be followed, but when you have prayed, sought wise counsel, and planned, the next right step is to rise up and do it!
“Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.“
Ezra 10:4
The Bible often uses the term rise up and I found many phrases in the concordance to help me dissect the command. Let’s examine a few!
1. to start, to make a move
I have often heard the illustration of steering a car as an example of why it is important to move for God to direct us. Have you ever tried to steer a car when it is in park? The wheels experience much more fiction when they are still, but as they roll the steering wheel is easily maneuvered. Nothing is impossible for God – He can certainly direct us while we are stationary – but He often waits for our obedience to rise up and He works with us in motion instead of against the friction of our resistance.
“Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”
1 Chronicle 28:10
2. to become powerful
Oh how we can experience the fullness of God’s power when we step into our calling! We may be hyper-aware of our own limitations and weakness as we walk through the planning process, but once we rise up to begin, we will get the amazing blessing of seeing God go to work through us!
“to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:19-20
3. to carry out or fulfill
The still small voice within us that will not be quiet – the calling – the vision – that is our marching orders. We are given a mission and it is up to us to carry that mission out. When we put a plan into action, we are fulfilling the good work God has appointed us to do!
Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the LORD has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the LORD gone ahead of you?”
Judges 4:14
As you prepare to rise up, I pray that you will know that God equips those He calls!
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:20-21
And even more encouragement as you rise up!
“Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well.”
2 Chronicles 19:11
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10