¹⁶"For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity." – Proverbs 24:16 ESV

Flowers captivate us with their vibrant colors and delicate beauty, blooming effortlessly in the warmth of the sun. But their true strength isn’t in the petals—it’s in the roots, buried deep beneath the surface, sustaining them through every season.

As believers, it’s easy to fall in love with the flowers of God—the blessings, the emotional highs in worship, the joy of community, and personal growth. But if our faith is built only on what feels good, what happens when winter comes? When prayers seem unanswered, worship feels dry, or struggles replace success?

Proverbs 24:16 reminds us that the righteous may fall, but they rise again. Faith is not about never falling—it’s about having the roots to rise again. Seasons will change. Feelings will fade. But if your faith is rooted in God, not just in the good moments, you will endure.

Winter will come. It won’t always be colorful or easy. Sometimes it’s just the dirt and the roots. But faith isn’t about feelings—it’s about choosing to stand, to walk, and to rise again, trusting that God will bring the bloom in His time. In Jesus, we are more than conquerers (Rom. 8:31-39) and can overcome anything that comes our way because Jesus goes before us. 

So, what will you do when winter comes? Will you stay down, or will you rise in faith, knowing that God is still working beneath the surface?

Getting back up isn’t just a one-time decision—it’s a daily commitment. Life will knock you down more than once. You’ll face disappointments, setbacks, and moments where giving up feels like the easier option. But faith is choosing to rise, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s choosing to believe that God’s plan is still in motion, even when you can’t see it.

Proverbs 24:16 doesn’t say the righteous might fall—it says they will fall. But it also says they will rise again. That’s the difference between faith and defeat. The enemy wants you to believe that falling means failure, that struggle means God has forgotten you. But Scripture tells us otherwise—God has already declared your victory (Romans 8:37), and He promises to strengthen you (Isaiah 41:10).

So keep getting up. Keep pushing forward. Keep trusting that even in the dirt, even in the waiting, God is still growing something in you. Your faith isn’t proven in the easy seasons; it’s proven in the moments when you stand back up, plant your feet, and say, I will not give up. I will trust God through this.

Because falling is inevitable—but rising? That’s faith in action. And every time you get back up, you’re not just enduring; you’re stepping into the purpose God has for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my strength in every season. When I fall, remind me that I am not defeated, but called to rise again in faith. Help me to trust You, not just in the good moments, but in the struggles too. Strengthen my roots so that I stand firm in Your truth, even when life feels uncertain. Give me the courage to keep getting up, to keep walking, and to keep believing that You are working all things for my good. I surrender my fears, my doubts, and my weariness to You. Lead me, Lord, and help me to walk in faith and purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.