Rising Stars
You are a rising star! You are more loved and favored than you realize. You are God’s celebrated child. Celebrated by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Celebrated by the saints who’ve gone before you. They’re called “the great cloud of witnesses” and they’re rooting for you. Even the angels of Heaven celebrate you.
Who are rising stars? They are people who are quickly becoming popular and successful in a particular field.
In the Bible, we see that Joseph was a rising star. He was loved and super favored by his dad. Though hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, lied on, imprisoned and forgotten about, he still rose to the top. Like the saying goes, you can’t keep a good man down. I’ll go further and say you can’t keep a righteous man down. The Bible says, “For a righteous man falls seven times and RISES AGAIN…” (Proverbs 24:16, AMPC).
I’m going to give you 4 characteristics of rising stars that will help you rise to the top and stay there:
1. Rising stars are not bound by their past.
Joseph was not bound by his past. He didn’t let the treachery of his brothers or the lies of Potiphar’s wife hold him back. He kept rising to the top. He went from the pit to the palace by the mercy and grace of God.
The same is happening for you! God is orchestrating circumstances and situations to work out for your great benefit. Success and popularity are your birthright. If you embrace being a rising star, it will be said about you what was said about Joseph, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man…” (Genesis 39:2).
2. Rising stars recognize their own potential.
The law of recognition is very powerful. Mike Murdock says, “This law is the golden bridge to the greatest season of your life.” Every star athlete, entertainer, businessman, politician, lawyer, doctor or therapist recognized their potential before they got to the top. They saw something in themselves, acknowledged it and experienced great success. This will be your story if you recognize the gifts and talents God the Father has put in you.
3. Rising stars have professional expertise.
Your potential must turn into professional expertise if you’re going to be a superstar in today’s world. The culture demands it.
How are your skills? What do you know to do well? Are you constantly improving them and disrupting old patterns? If so, you will continue to rise and shine in today’s world. This is God’s perfect will for you! You may ask, “How do you know this Pastor Maurice?” Simple. The prophet Isaiah said, “Arise, SHINE; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). Then the Son of God comes along and says, “Let your light so SHINE before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). You are expected to use your skills to shine and glorify God. You are expected to compete in the marketplace and win. This is your time! This is your season!
4. Rising stars have passion.
Let me be straight with you. You’re not going to get anywhere great being lackadaisical, passive or withdrawn. You have to be bold, success-oriented and energetic. This is what is required of you in order to be a rising star.
Do you think LeBron James would be the celebrated athlete he is today if he was withdrawn and passive? Absolutely not! He once said, “Basketball is my passion. I love it.”
My question to you is what do you love? What is your passion? What are called and willing to give yourself over to? Whatever that is, it’s your key to success, fame and fortune. It’s time to get up and SHINE!
