In the realm of faith and spirituality, the notion of “getting up” is deeply ingrained in the scriptures and stories that inspire believers to take charge of their lives without waiting for external validation or permission. The Bible is filled with instances where individuals, driven by an inner conviction and faith, took bold steps forward despite the absence of societal approval or support. This article explores the biblical foundations of the will to get up and why believers don’t need to wait for someone else’s permission to rise and pursue their God-given purpose.

The Call to Rise: A Biblical Mandate

The Bible frequently calls on believers to rise and take action. One of the most compelling examples is found in the story of the paralytic man in John 5:1-9. At the pool of Bethesda, a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years waited for someone to help him into the healing waters. When Jesus saw him, He asked, “Do you want to be healed?” The man explained his predicament, but instead of offering to help him into the pool, Jesus simply commanded, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” Immediately, the man was cured, picked up his mat, and walked.

This story illustrates a powerful principle: the man’s healing came not through waiting for others, but through obedience to Jesus’ command. It underscores the importance of personal initiative and faith in God’s word over dependence on human assistance or validation.

The Power of Faith Over Fear

Faith empowers believers to act even when fear and uncertainty loom large. In Matthew 14:28-31, Peter walked on water towards Jesus. It wasn’t until Peter took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wind and waves that he began to sink. Jesus then reached out, caught him, and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Peter’s initial step onto the water was an act of violent faith, not sanctioned by the disciples but driven by his belief in Jesus. This narrative highlights that stepping out in faith often means going against the grain of human expectations and doubts. Believers are called to trust in God’s power and presence, knowing that He will sustain them as they take bold steps.

Overcoming Inertia: The Role of Personal Responsibility

The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:13-14, writes, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s determination to “press on” signifies the necessity of personal responsibility in the pursuit of one’s divine calling.

Paul did not wait for approval or encouragement from others; he recognized his responsibility to move forward. This call to action is echoed throughout scripture, emphasizing that believers are equipped and expected to rise up, take responsibility for their journey, and pursue their purpose with diligence and faith.

Breaking Free from External Validation

The concept of not needing external permission is further reinforced by the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. David, a young shepherd boy, was not a warrior by training, nor was he endorsed by King Saul’s army to fight the giant Goliath. However, David’s faith in God’s deliverance emboldened him to take on the challenge. He declared, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

David’s victory over Goliath was a result of his faith and his refusal to be constrained by the lack of approval from others. His story is a testament to the power of trusting in God’s anointing and moving forward with confidence in His provision.

Conclusion: Empowered to Act

The scriptural narratives provide a clear message: believers do not need to wait for human validation to get up and pursue their God-given destiny. The will to get up is deeply rooted in faith, personal responsibility, and a trust in God’s promises. As Paul encourages in Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Embrace the call to rise, trust in God’s unwavering support, and move forward with the assurance that you are empowered to fulfill your purpose without waiting for anyone else’s permission. Your faith and actions, grounded in biblical truth, will pave the way for God’s extraordinary plans to unfold in your life.

BY: APOSTLE CLAY COFIELD/CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR