RISE UP

Proverbs 24:16

“16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

Proverbs 27:12

12 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

Proverbs 16:9

9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

Notes

In times of crisis, we ask hard questions and seek meaning, looking for a basis. We can look to His word and trust in His wisdom. After the recent flood, our community faces loss, uncertainty, and the challenge of rebuilding. But Scripture gives us the wisdom to face these challenges with resilience, foresight, and hope. Today, let us consider three lessons from Proverbs that guide us in responding wisely to this disaster.

1. Keep Rising

   The righteous may fall, and they may encounter setback after setback, but they rise each time. Their strength comes not from themselves but from their trust in God’s sustaining grace. In the OT context, the righteous trust God, follow the law, and fear God.

   
   16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity (Proverbs 24:16).

   Application: In the NT context, the righteous believe and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. Resilience is about getting up after the storm, looking to God for strength, and helping one another stand firm. God has called His people to be a light in dark times, a community of support, love, and restoration. In this season, we can embody resilience by reaching out to those in need, by praying together, and by trusting that God is with us through every challenge.

   
   

2. Wisdom to Prevent

   This proverb teaches the importance of foresight. While God’s people must trust Him, He also called them to use wisdom to anticipate and prepare for future challenges. The prudent person analyzes the risk and takes action; they recognize the signs of potential danger and act accordingly.

   
   12 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it (Proverbs 27:12).

   Application: As we rebuild, let us ask ourselves how to prepare wisely to prevent future harm. This might mean creating better infrastructure, establishing emergency protocols, or educating one another on safety. Just as Noah prepared the ark in obedience to God’s instructions, we too should build wisely and purposefully, taking steps to safeguard our community.

3. Plan with God’s Guidance

   God’s people may make plans but must trust God, who directs the path. The future is unknown, but one can have confidence that God holds that future. Man’s plans and circumstances may change, but the Lord’s guidance remains steadfast.

   
   9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

   Application: We can look ahead with hope, trusting that God is working all things for our good and His glory. As we plan for the days to come, we should do so with humility, knowing that our ultimate security lies in God’s will. Moving forward, let us place our hope not in human efforts alone but in the assurance of God’s providential care.

Reflection & Discussion

1. How can our community demonstrate resilience together?

2. How can we prepare for the next flood or other calamities?

3. How can we apply trusting in God and making plans?