AND THE LORD LIFTED ME UP

Title: AND THE LORD LIFTED ME UP

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 3:3
Supporting Texts: Psalm 40:2, Isaiah 40:31, 1 Peter 5:6, Psalm 113:7-8

INTRODUCTION:
The Bible is filled with testimonies of God lifting people out of despair, adversity, and humble beginnings, raising them to places of honour, influence, and fulfilment. To be "lifted up" by the Lord is a testimony to His strength, grace, and kindness, taking us from a place of struggle to a place of victory. This theme explores God's ability to elevate us, both spiritually and physically, to heights we could never reach on our own.

1. GOD LIFTS THE HUMBLE

a) Humble Beginnings: God delights in raising those who acknowledge their humble beginnings (James 4:10).
God's power shines when He lifts the lowly, like Joseph from the prison to the palace.

b) Divine Elevation: When God lifts a person, it is by His divine hand, and no one can reverse it (1 Peter 5:6).
He sees beyond our present state, positioning us for greatness.

c) Blessing in Obscurity: Often, God prepares us in obscurity before elevating us (Luke 1:52).
He takes hidden potential and brings it to light at the right time.

d) God’s Timing: The Lord’s lifting comes in His perfect timing, ensuring that His name is glorified (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
We must trust His process and wait on His timing.

Biblical Example: David’s journey from shepherd to king illustrates God lifting the humble (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

2. GOD LIFTS THOSE IN NEED

a) The Downcast: God is close to those in despair, promising to lift them up (Psalm 34:18).
He brings joy where there has been sorrow.

b) Help in Weakness: He provides strength and raises up those who feel weak (Isaiah 40:31).
When we feel our weakest, He is there to lift and renew us.

c) Restoration of Lost Hope: He gives new life to dreams and hopes that have been buried (Joel 2:25).
God restores what has been lost, lifting our spirits.

d) Healing the Brokenhearted: The Lord lifts those who are emotionally broken (Psalm 147:3).
He heals wounds that only He can see.

Biblical Example: Hannah’s heart was lifted as God answered her prayer for a son (1 Samuel 1:19-20).

3. GOD LIFTS THROUGH HIS WORD AND PROMISES

a) Power of the Word: The promises of God in His Word lift our spirits (Psalm 119:50).
His words encourage, heal, and empower.

b) Faith in His Promises: Trusting His promises helps us rise above adversity (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Faith gives us the strength to stand firm.

c) Living Hope: God’s Word provides a living hope that continually lifts us up (1 Peter 1:3).
We find strength to keep going even in trials.

d) Victory Over Fear: His Word reassures us, lifting us above fear (Isaiah 41:10).
It becomes our anchor and shield.

Biblical Example: The Centurion’s faith in Jesus’ word brought healing and lifted his heart (Matthew 8:8-13).

4. GOD LIFTS US ABOVE ENEMIES

a) Divine Protection: God lifts us above the reach of those who seek our downfall (Psalm 27:5-6).
In His presence, we are safe from harm.

b) Victory Over Oppression: The Lord grants victory and lifts us above oppression (Isaiah 54:17).
No weapon formed against us will prosper.

c) Promotion Against All Odds: God can lift us even when others oppose (Psalm 75:6-7).
Promotion comes from God, not from men.

d) Restoration of Honour: He restores honour where it was lost (Psalm 23:5).
God lifts us above shame and reproach.

Biblical Example: Mordecai was lifted above Haman’s plots (Esther 6:10-11).

5. GOD LIFTS FOR HIS GLORY

a) Lifting as a Testimony: When God lifts us, it becomes a testimony to His greatness (Psalm 40:3).
Our lives declare His faithfulness.

b) Manifestation of His Power: His lifting us up demonstrates His power to the world (2 Corinthians 12:9).
In our weakness, His power is perfected.

c) Pointing Others to Christ: Our elevation draws others to know Christ (Matthew 5:16).
People see His work in our lives and are inspired.

d) Gratitude and Worship: Being lifted up should inspire deeper worship and gratitude (Psalm 103:2).
We remember His goodness and give Him praise.

Biblical Example: Daniel’s elevation in Babylon glorified God’s power and wisdom (Daniel 6:26-28).

CONCLUSION:
God’s power to lift us up is unmatchable. Regardless of where we are now, His hand is mighty to raise us to new heights, to strengthen our spirits, and to restore what we have lost. In every circumstance, we can trust that God will lift us up for His glory, to be a testimony to the world.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, lift me above every situation that has weighed me down.

2. Father, I trust in Your timing to elevate me.

3. O God, restore my joy and lift my spirit today.

4. Father, lift me above every plot of the enemy.

5. Lord, let Your promises strengthen me and lift my faith.

6. Father, lift me up to fulfil Your purpose for my life.

7. God, help me to wait patiently for Your divine lifting.

8. Lord, lift me from sorrow to joy and from weakness to strength.

9. Heavenly Father, let Your lifting in my life glorify Your name.

10. Father, I declare that no weapon formed against me will prosper.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. The Lord will lift you out of every pit of despair.

2. Your days of being downcast are over; rise in strength.

3. God is lifting you to a place of honour and recognition.

4. The plans of the enemy against your life will fail, for God has lifted you above them.

5. Every closed door is opening as the Lord lifts you higher.

6. Your testimony will cause others to marvel at God’s greatness.

7. You will walk in divine favour and supernatural lifting.

8. God will lift you above every disappointment and set you on a solid rock.

9. You are lifted above fear, sorrow, and shame.

10. The Lord’s hand will lift you to places of influence for His glory.

May this theme be a source of encouragement and a reminder that God’s hand is always able to lift us up.