Stirred Up: How to Live Life on a New Level
Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life? Or perhaps you've caught yourself asking, "What's next?"
If so, you're in a good place. These questions are actually signs of growth and maturity, indicating that you're ready for bigger dreams and prepared to fight greater battles—which will lead to more significant victories.
Life's Next Level
Life is much like a video game. When you conquer one level, the game isn't over; there's always another challenge ahead. The Bible tells us we go from "glory to glory," constantly moving forward in our spiritual journey. God is always calling us to deeper things, wanting us to ascend to the next level in our faith and life.
But how do we prepare ourselves for these new levels? The key lies in staying "stirred up" in our faith.
The Biblical Command to Stay Stirred Up
This isn't just a suggestion; it's a biblical command. Throughout Scripture, we're encouraged to live passion-filled lives, continuously kindling our spiritual fervor.
Consider the story of David dancing before the Lord. He stripped off his kingly robes, humbling himself in worship. This act of abandonment to God's presence is a powerful example of what it means to be stirred up. Worship has the power to take us to the next level, opening doors we never thought possible.
When life gets tough, it's crucial to remember Psalm 118:24: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." It's a choice to stir up praise, regardless of our circumstances. Sometimes, the most powerful praise is a sacrifice—when we choose to worship despite feeling low or facing challenges.
Your Four-Step Formula for Staying Stirred Up
Here's a simple but powerful formula you can use daily:
1. Look Back
Remind yourself of God's faithfulness in the past. What has He already done for you? How has He shown up before?
2. Look Up
Remember that God is still on the throne. He hasn't changed, and His power hasn't diminished.
3. Look In
Affirm your identity as a child of God. You are chosen, loved, and empowered by the Most High.
4. Look Out
Find ways to encourage others, which in turn will encourage you. When you pour out, you get refilled.
The Power of Right Relationships
It's essential to surround yourself with the right people—those who fan the flames of your faith rather than extinguish them. The Bible speaks of Barnabas, known as the "son of encouragement." We all need people like this in our lives, who inspire us to worship louder, pray deeper, and speak bolder.
But it's not just about who's pouring into your life; it's also about whose life you're pouring into. As you encourage others, you'll find yourself uplifted as well. Make it a point every day to be a source of encouragement to those around you.
The Discipline of Fasting
One powerful way to stay stirred up is through the practice of fasting. Whether it's food, electronics, or something else, fasting helps us put God first and control our flesh. It's a tangible way of saying, "God, I want you more than I want this thing I'm giving up."
Fasting is like hitting the reset button on your spiritual life. It clears the clutter and sharpens your focus on what really matters.
Fervent Prayer: Plugging Into Unlimited Power
James 5:16 tells us that "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much." The word "fervent" is where we get our word "energy." When we pray stirred-up prayers, we tap into tremendous power.
It's like plugging into an unlimited source of energy, love, and supply. Your prayers become supercharged when they come from a stirred-up heart.
When Your Fire Goes Out
Sometimes, we might feel our spiritual fire has gone out. This can happen due to neglect, laziness, or distraction. But just as a seemingly dead fire can be rekindled by stirring the embers, so too can our faith be revived by intentionally stirring up what God has placed within us.
The embers are still there—they just need to be stirred.
Running Toward Your Giants
Remember the story of David facing Goliath? He ran towards the giant, not away from him. This courage came from a life lived in God's presence, constantly stirred up in faith. David's bold declaration shows the power of a stirred-up faith:
"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty." (1 Samuel 17:45)
In your own life, you might face giants of doubt, fear, or discouragement. But like David, you can run towards these challenges with confidence, knowing that the greater One lives within you.
No More Half-Hearted Living
As we navigate life's levels, it's crucial to remain wholehearted in our pursuit of God. Whether it's in our marriages, our workplaces, or our personal walk with God, halfhearted efforts will never suffice. God is looking for those who will seek Him with their whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13).
Lukewarm doesn't cut it. God wants all of you, not just the parts you're comfortable giving.
Your Action Plan for Living Stirred Up
Ready to take your life to the next level? Here's your practical action plan:
Identify areas where you've become lukewarm or halfhearted
Commit to stirring up your faith daily through prayer, worship, and meditation on God's Word
Surround yourself with encouragers and be an encourager to others
Face your challenges head-on, remembering that God is with you
Consider fasting as a way to refocus your priorities and stir up your spiritual life
You Are Your Own Moses
Living life on a new level isn't about waiting for circumstances to change; it's about stirring up what God has already placed within you. It's about choosing to praise even when you don't feel like it, believing even when you can't see, and moving forward even when the path seems unclear.
As you go about your week, remember that you are your own "Moses." Don't wait for someone else to lead you into the promised land of your next level. Take responsibility for your spiritual growth, lean into God, and stir up the gift that is within you.
Your Next Level Awaits
May we all be inspired to live stirred-up lives, ready to take on new levels and face our giants with unwavering faith. As we do, we'll find ourselves not just surviving, but thriving, making a significant impact in our world and experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us.
Your next level is waiting. The question is: are you stirred up enough to reach for it?