“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV To arise means to stand up, …
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV
To arise means to stand up, to awaken, and to step into the purpose God has prepared. It is God’s call to rise to a higher level in Him.
The apostle Paul captures this mindset in Philippians 3:13–14. Paul understood that the Christian life requires a press. There is no prize without pressing. There is no advancement without intentional pursuit. When God commands us to arise, He is inviting us to press forward toward the prize of His high calling.
Our calling is not lowly. Our God is a God of heights and levels. Throughout Scripture, God continually lifts His people to higher places, higher faith, higher obedience, and deeper intimacy with Him. The Bible declares that Jesus has been exalted above every power and authority, and through Him we are raised and seated with Him in heavenly places. This means that in Christ we are not meant to live beneath the pressures and powers of this world. Every force of darkness is beneath the authority of Christ, and through Him we share in that victory.
To arise, therefore, means aligning ourselves with God’s higher perspective. It means refusing to stay trapped in yesterday’s mistakes or yesterday’s victories. Like Paul, we must forget what lies behind and press forward. We must press.
The press requires discipline, focus, and spiritual determination. It requires choosing faith over fear and obedience over comfort.
Yet, God’s greatest desire is not simply to bless us but to change us.
But God’s call to arise is not only about achieving spiritual goals, but it is also about transformation. In today’s world, many believers focus primarily on the blessings they hope to receive from God. Yet, God’s greatest desire is not simply to bless us but to change us. The greatest gift God gives His people is His own righteousness. Righteousness is the very nature and character of God, His justice, His truth, and His perfect rightness.
When we connect with God through Christ, He begins to shape us into His image.
God is raising a people who will carry His kingdom to the nations. He calls His church to live with purpose, to walk in righteousness, and to step into the destiny He has prepared. The command to arise is God’s reminder that we are called to something greater.
Today, hear the voice of the Lord: Arise. Leave behind what holds you back. Press toward the prize. Step into the high calling of God in Christ Jesus and allow His righteousness to shape your life.
Song
Available
By Elevation Worship
Prayer – Lord, thank You for calling us to arise. Help us to forget what is behind and press forward toward Your high calling. Transform our hearts so that we reflect Your righteousness and walk in Your purpose. Give us the strength to rise above every obstacle and live in the authority You have given us through Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Job 41-42; Acts 16
Sign up for free class
It’s easy and free!
