I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
— Philippians 4:13 NKJV

In the words of Dory, “Just keep swimming.” I will never forget the day my then–10-year-old niece told me she had included this statement in her 4th-grade STAAR essay. I may not have known the prompt or her content, but I could tell that she focused on overcoming something or persevering. Even as a young girl, she knew that she would face obstacles, but she also knew she had to keep going and that the Lord would see her through. What truths to proclaim! She is now finishing her first year at Tarleton State University, and we still talk about this years later. I have thought a lot about this as I revisited Sunday’s sermon and prepared to write. Randy continually encouraged us to “Get back up.” This life that we live is a journey. Thank goodness one bad moment or even one crummy day doesn’t define the rest of our lives.

And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world, you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!
– John 16:33 TPT

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
– Philippians 3:13–14 NLT

In Jesus, we win! The enemy has been defeated. It never gets old, and I never get tired of hearing it or speaking it. As often as I proclaim it, the more it rings true in my soul. I just have to choose not to be defined by this world but by my Savior. I am so thankful for the people God intentionally places in my path, those who speak life over me, encourage me, pray over me, inspire me, and hold me accountable. Each day, I also try to listen to God and seek His direction. When He places someone on my heart, I do my best to pray for them and let them know I’m thinking about them. When someone is in my path, I hope I am speaking life. We all have been on the struggle bus and can be at any given time, but if we do what we can when given the opportunity, we are truly living to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

So, child of God, be reminded we are called to live. Get back up. It’s time to move.