ARISE
The world we are living in today is not standing still; neither is your future. Things are as uncertain as ever, but one thing is certain – the future is surely coming, or in fact, it’s already here!And it’s bringing with it, further demands on your life, your family, your relationships, your education, your talents, your skills, your determination, your endurance and your perseverance. You have to work harder and smarter and do things the way you have never done before. These times demand that you become more proactive, dynamic, flexible, sleekand strategic like never before.
“When God asks people to arise, it is not a suggestion; it is a command!”
I first heard this statement from Rev. Celia Apeagyei-Collins in 2004. I have since listened to that message over 10 times! I have summarised 12 things that the word Arise meanfrom that life-changing resource and adapted it for this article.
- Arise out of sleep and slumber
To Arisemeans to rise from sleep, and to be awake thoroughly. Some people want to rise to new heights in life but they are like Jonah; they are, sleeping on the boat. Everything is capsizing around them and they are sleeping soundly in thunderstorm.If you must rest, please do, but don’t set your alarm for ten different times, just to get up in the morning. Sleep is a good thing but sleep at the wrong time could be very dangerous. When you sleep carelessly, you are a prey and a victim to the enemy. Wake up my friend!
- Arise as an invalid from ‘sickness’
To Arise also means to ‘rise as an invalid from ‘sickness’. Sickness here implies not just physical sickness; it may be hurt, pain or disappointment. It’s time to let that situation go. It’s time to stop rehearsing pain and hurt. You need to bring closure to some things in your life and stop ‘nursing’ and ‘feeding’ pain.
- Arise out of limitation
Today, arise out of limitation! I don’t know what limits you, but you can do it. In your current circumstances, in your captivity, in your situation, when you rise up in your spirit, whatever is trying to hold you back will fade away. The sky is not even the limit; you are the only one that can limit yourself.
- Arise in your perspectives
Life is about your perspectives, your thinking and your ability to adapt to changing life circumstances. Don’t be imprisoned by your mind. If anyone tells you “You can’t do it,” say to them, “You don’t know me.” If you must attain higher heights, you have to renew your thinking. There is no excuse for failure and the only thing that can stop you is your mindset. Failure is not an option, and it is not in your vocabulary. The only thing that has the capacity to limit you is your thinking, your self-belief, your philosophy, your tradition, your mindset and your world view–the paradigm through which you interpret and respond to events around you.
- Arise and ‘become’
Another meaning forArise is ‘to become’ or ‘to purpose to become’. It is time to become everything that God wants you to be and to take hold of your destiny. It is time you began to put a value on yourself. Don’t ever say “tiny-whinny, little me” again. You are definitely more than what you think. If you don’t know who you really are, people (or life)will try to define and tell you who you are not.
- Arise and stir up yourgift
To Arise also means ‘to stir up yourself’, or ‘to stir up zeal and enthusiasm’. Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1: 6 saying ‘Stir up those gifts’. You have it! God can help, but you have to do it for yourself. You haven’t reach your limits yet; so don’t give up. Whatever you need to do, put on zeal like a garment. When you have zeal, zeal has manifestation’. Do something today!
- Rise from payer
Another meaning for Arise is ‘to rise from prayer’. Prayer is not a bad thing but some people have done nothing about what they are praying about; and prayer has become an excuse. Get off your knees and do something about what you have prayed for. Praying without ceasing doesn’t mean don’t act upon it. If you have been praying about a job or promotion or school or university admission, it’s time to fill in those forms; it’s time to push the barriers. What do you have to lose? If nothing else, you gain some experience at least. God said “I have heard your prayers, now rise up and do something with your life.”
- Rise antagonistically
To Arise also means to ‘rise antagonistically’, and it means to ‘war’, to ‘cast against’; using the full force of what you have and who you are to come against any wiles of the enemy, including those that are bent to oppose you. It means you contend for the faith that was given to you. Don’t just stand there, pose or fold your arms when someone or something is trying to snatch away your child, your job, your wife or your husband. To rise ‘antagonistically’ is to have a spirit that recognizes what God has given you and stands in guard to defend it. Today, fight and war for what is rightfully yours!
- Arise from mediocrity to excellence
ToArise means to ‘come up higher’ from mediocrity to excellence; from growth from a little stage to a further development. Mediocrity or excellence is not all about ability or skill; it’s about the state of mind – an attitude of pursuit towards purpose. Even Jesus grew in stature and in wisdom. May it be said of you today that you grow in wisdom and in stature. You have to determine how much you want to grow. Be determined today that you will grow.
- Arise and burst forth like the sun
To Arise means to burst forth or to rise like the sun in a world of darkness. Imagine one day, that everything stand still and the sun refuses to rise! God forbid! I ask myself, ‘Muyiwa {you can put your name, if you like], since when did anybody say about you, that since you entered their lives, their lives have changed for good or for the better?’ What are people saying about you since you became their boyfriend or girlfriend, neighbour or work colleague, customer or client? You are the light of the world, and you need to shine like the sun in a dark world.
- Arise and change your location
To Arise also means to be in the right location. Everything that God called man to do has geography. You can’t stay where you are and just pray and expect things to happen; you have to move; you have to leave where you are to go where you are supposed to be. Your authority is directly related to your assignment and you don’t just go anywhere and everywhere. There is a place for you, and it’s time for you to move. God has given you your life and He is not expecting to find you in the same place He met you. God likes returns on His investment.
- Arise and change position
To Arise is also about a ‘change of position’ – mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally. Sometimes we don’t need to do anything spiritually, all you need is to lock up the past and move on into your future.The word ‘rise’ means different things to different people, and it could mean ‘stand up’ or ‘lift yourself up’. Rising is not an option because your entire future depends on it.
Rev. Celia Apeagyei-Collins is the Founder and President of The Rehoboth Foundation, an organisation offering leadership and vision development, consultancy, motivational and mentoring programmes together with training for effective leadership, dynamic teamwork, and the fulfilment of both individual destiny and corporate vision.
