What Goes Down Must Come Up

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

When I started teaching at my current job I think that no one would have given you odds for me surviving the first day let alone 27 years.  The school had six teachers quit after two weeks.  After six weeks of substitutes they were still not advertising openings.  I walked into chaos and anarchy with no experience except a few weeks as a substitute on various districts.  It was a very difficult year.  What kept me going?

As a “just” (righteous NASB) (6662) man I had a God given sense of responsibility.  In the morning as I stumbled out of the bedroom on my way to the coffee pot, I passed the rooms in which my children were sleeping.  I looked at them as a blessing God had given me.  I needed to provide.

As I “righteous man” I also had my “falls” (5307).  Every day was a struggle but I was able to look to the Lord as a source of strength, a source of hope and a source of guidance.  Each “falls” was matched by a “rises” (6965).

The children are older and on their own.  I don’t pass their bedrooms any more.  The Source is still there, even stronger.  I get burned out and discouraged but God keeps reaching out and renewing my soul.  I am way past seven times and still counting.

So?  The righteous have a reason to go forward.  Trust and obey.  Eternity will be glorious.