“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”

A number of years ago, I taught the career class at Auburn University. It was a fun experience, and I met some amazing students who were trying to figure out their journey. Many of them were wrestling with decisions about their major and their future career. A few were simply looking for an easy “A”. Hopefully, both groups found what they were looking for. One of the points I shared as a Christian teaching at a public university was that I firmly believed God had a plan for each of their lives. I believed that if they aligned their story with their Creator, His plan would become clear. They might not always experience the kind of success the world defines, but they could certainly experience a peace and joy that surpass understanding. I also let them know there would be things throughout their lives that would knock them down, and part of their challenge would be getting back up. In the years I taught no one ever complained. At the end of each semester, I would play the Chumbawamba song Tubthumping—which tells you how long ago this was—that repeatedly says, “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down.” I never danced. When something difficult hit them in their journey—whether in their career, family life, or some other area—I wanted them to reflect back on that silly chorus and, more importantly, the very serious biblical truth of having God in their story. Scripture is filled with promises that God will defend us, protect us, strengthen us, and help us rise again after we fall. Today, stand firm in Him. #BeTheEdge

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)