STEP-UP

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “COME UP here, and I will show you things which must take place after this – Revelation 4:1

God is the Uplifter of our heads (Psa.3:3). He wants His children to Step-up in all dimensions of life and destiny. To step-up means to change levels upward, to elevate or to upgrade. Those who walk with God always have Stories of Glory to tell at the end: from faith to faith (Rom.1:17); from grace to grace (Heb.4:16); and from glory to glory (2Cor.3:18)! We human beings upgrade computer softwares, hardwares, and other equipment. The God of all flesh is much more desirous for His children to be upgraded in life. God motivated Joshua to ‘step up’ and occupy the front-line vacancy created by Moses’ death. Expectedly, Joshua felt inadequate to fit into Moses’ shoes. But God reassured him: “...as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you, nor forsake you” (Jos.1:5b). He then motivated Joshua to “be strong and of a good courage” (v.6a,9a); and to be “strong and very courageous” (v.7a). Beloved, never be satisfied with mediocrity; step-up!

Step-up in your thought-life to the Realm of God’s Thoughts. He says: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways...For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isa.55: 8-9). God wants you to ascend to His higher mental realms where you begin to think like Him and see things as He does. His Instruction to Step-up also demands that you “Shake off” whatever may want to keep you tied to the ground: “Shake yourself from the dust, arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem...”  (Isa.52:2a). Shake yourself from the dust of defeat, carnality and worldliness. Shake off anxiety, depression, inferiority, fear, self-pity, unbelief, and every form of negativity. Step-up to His Calling to Higher Grounds. Step-up to walk with God and let Him work through you.

We can learn from the saints of old who turned the table against the adversaries, stepping up when their foes expected them to give up. Isaac didn’t give up to adverse circumstances, but stepped up beyond Gerar’s status-quo until Rehoboth became his reward (Gen.26: 2-22). Joseph didn’t give up in the prison, but persisted until he stepped up into the Palace: “You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt” (Gen.41:40-41). Daniel didn’t give up in the lion’s den; and the Lord ensured he stepped up in Dominion in Babylon (Dan.6:16-28). Esther didn’t give up to fear and timidity in the Palace at Shushan, but stepped up in courage and saw the end of Haman (Est.4:16; 7:10). Even when circumstances didn’t seem to be on their side, these Champions of Faith determined to Step-up and Never give up!

Revelation 4:1 is God’s Call to Step-up. His Call is always an UPWARD Call, a call to the Mountain-Top:

• Step-up from Grace to Grace and from Glory to Glory
• Step-up in Wisdom and Revelation Knowledge of God’s Word
• Step-up in the Renewal of your Mind and Thought-life
• Step-up in the Praise and Worship of the Living God
• Step-up in Boldness, Courage, and Exploits of Faith
• Step-up in Anointing to Serve and the Unction to Function
• Step-up in the Learning and Improvement of Life's Skills
• Step-up in Equipping and Preparation for Spiritual Warfare
• Step-up in your Holy Walk with God and Your Work for Him

Always keep the Expectation of Exaltation in view: “When they cast you down...you say, Exaltation will come!...” (Job.22:29a). With JESUS – the Master Motivator – even when others are cast down, you can confidently declare: “There is Lifting Up”!