Falling Cometh Before the Rise

(Proverbs 24:16 KJV)  For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

This verse reminds me that I must reject what I have heard of “Prosperity Gospel.”  That is the teaching that if we just believe we will be “healthy, wealthy and wise.”  There are those who think that following Jesus is a smooth, trouble free life.  Not so, according to this verse.

Notice that the first subject is called “righteous” (6662).  Let’s hope that includes you and me.  How does his life go?  He “falls” (5307) repeatedly.  I think the number seven is symbolic, not limiting.  The point is that even the righteous will have down times.  Accept that.  Learn from it.  Rejoice in it.

And expect to rise again.  This is what is really exciting to me.  I find it very easy to get discouraged.  It may be a character flaw, but there it is.  It is verses like this that remind me I am not being judged by how many times I fail.  In a sense I am being judged by how many times my faith in Jesus gets me up and moving again. 

This is not an excuse to sin.  It is not a franchise on sloppy decisions.  It does not overlook being lazy.  It is an assurance that the grace of God is not based on meeting our expectations, but on meeting His.

So?  Get up and get going.  Remember, we have read the book and we know who wins.