This story appears in FCA Magazine’s May/June 2016 issue. Subscribe today!


“for though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again …” – Proverbs 24:16 (ISV)

Ihave to admit, Rocky movies have made an impact upon my life. I am a Sylvester Stallone fan and absolutely love the characters he developed, the storylines, the competitive grit. They’ve inspired me on numerous occasions to get back in the gym and train harder than I thought possible. They helped me become a more focused, more intense athlete willing to pay a higher price in the offseason so I could enjoy better performance in season. Thanks, Rocky!

Perhaps the most compelling element of the entire series of films is the theme of rise. Everyone knows the chorus to the series’ theme song, “Eye of the Tiger,” but do you catch the first two words? “Rising up …”

That theme can be applied in so many walks of life. Rise above low expectations and limitations caused by your neighborhood or socioeconomic status. Rise above the negativity of others who consistently say you’ll never amount to anything. Rise above the voices of fear and doubt in your own head that remind you of all your weaknesses and mistakes, conspiring to keep you from your absolute best. Rise up off the mat when you get knocked down. Rise up to face your biggest fears, challenges and opponents. Rise again and again after disappointment and defeat to pursue your destiny.

Rise. Fall. Rise. Fall. But rise again.

I’ve heard it said that if you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough. In other words, you’re probably playing it safe—afraid to take a risk that requires God’s intervention. If all you do is enjoy one success after another, are you just attempting things that capitalize on your strengths, failing to get out of your comfort zone?

Most of us like safe risks. “Risks” where failure is unlikely, and even if we do fail, hopefully nobody else is there to witness it! But, if that’s the case in your life, you may be settling for mediocrity. And that’s a sad way to live.

It’s interesting that the words “risk” and “rise” are separated by only one letter. Maybe they are meant to be companions. Risk can result in falling down, which leads to rising up. When we rise up it’s often a risk, but the reward is often so worth it.

Proverbs 24:16 (ISV) tells us that “for though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again …” This brings me a great deal of encouragement, hope and resolve. Hopefully it does the same for you. We have been made righteous in standing before God by grace through faith in Jesus. That gives us new life—the forever kind of life. Then God begins to refine us into a great masterpiece, a work of art. It takes time, and at times it’s really messy. But God never gives up on us, so we should never give up on ourselves or one another. Just look at Peter, Moses and so many other examples in the Bible.

Jesus came to live, die and, most importantly, rise. He is the ultimate overcomer. And we are created in His image! When we are born again into His family, it’s like we have his DNA. We are more than conquerors; we are overcomers. We are made for greatness, free to live an abundant life in Christ.

Many of us have tried and failed so many times to get on track with our health that we can’t imagine rising to try again. But we must never give up. If you are discouraged because of where you are right now, these three tips will help you rise to your feet and try again:

DREAM BIG – Get a fresh vision for your health goals. Write down (in as much detail as possible) how healthy you will be. Vision is a divine picture of a desired future. Pray and ask God what His best is for your health. Dream big, knowing God loves when we strive for what may seem impossible at the time. Describe how you’ll feel, your energy, your activity and your “why” behind it all. This will give you a picture fueled by purpose and passion.

FUEL YOUR TANK – Change one thing with respect to food, movement and sleep habits. Fast from sweets for 10 days or stop eating after 7 p.m. Commit to walking every day or doing a seven-minute ab workout first thing every morning. Cut off technology 60 minutes before bed. Fuel your tank with habits that will give you the attitude and energy needed to be your best.

WIN TODAY – Celebrate your wins every day. We beat ourselves up when we fail, but then forget to celebrate when we rise. We need momentum to sustain healthy habits and stay on the road to good health. When you eat lean, give thanks! When you get your workout in, way to go! Put the past behind you and press on, keeping your eyes on the prize.

Don’t let discouragement prevent you from rising again. Get the “eye of the tiger” and go for it. (And, if you need a little inspiration, I suggest watching Rocky IV!)

You will never regret rising again. You can do this!