The righteous and the unrighteous alike face adversity, trials, and setbacks yet the righteous will continue to rise above it. What is it about the righteous that equips them to rise again and again? Where does this resilience come from? 

First off, we should understand that righteousness is imputed to believers through faith. We are declared righteous in God’s sight because Jesus died on the cross for our sins. In faith we look to Jesus as our savior and thus we put our hope and confidence in him. Hoping in him can bring a renewable strength that lifts us above even the worst of circumstances. Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall walk and not be weary, they shall run and not faint.”

It is unlikely that we will never face failure or fall in some way. Difficulties, setbacks, and troubles are a part of life. Psalms 37:24 states that “Though he may fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Truly the Lord’s presence in the life of the righteous, His hand, and His blessing is what lifts the righteous up over and over. We have a loving father who cares for us and who is faithful to pick us up again and again.   

Much like when we were toddlers and learned to walk for the first time, falling is part of a learning process. A fall can be a reminder of the mercy of our savior, His loving kindness, and can give us empathy for the weaknesses of others. Failure does not define who we are but can help us see who our God is and that He is able to help in our time of need. The Lord can “work all things together for our good for those who are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess in the moment, I often do not see how all things work together for good to those who love God. Sometimes I even doubt and get irritated at people who quote that verse as some kind of panacea. Oh God! Increase my faith. Increase my love for You! Help me walk out my calling according to Your purpose. Keep me from temptation, so that when I fall, it is rarely into sin, but into some other kind of trial, and help me to obey and consider it pure joy! Help me to be a good example to others and give me wisdom so that I can use my failures as a testimony of Your grace and faithfulness. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

If a “fall” involves sin, it is important to confess and turn from it in order to find forgiveness and be restored. The one who hides their sin will not prosper. (Proverbs 28:13) This principle often applies when we experience setbacks in other ways, too, and need help to make things right. When someone else needs that help, love your neighbor as yourself. Seek to be a spouse who will help the other up without ridicule. Seek to be a parent who guides with grace and truth. Seek to be a friend or colleague who will be honest without tearing the other person down. Ask God in prayer for grace in others’ times of need and not only your own.