Inspired through a conversation :)
Picture a boxing match, the stadium, the ring, the crowd, and camera flashes. The atmosphere of the crowd roaring and cheering. The bell rings.. DING DING.
A boxing match is a sport of endurance, strength and stamina, there isnt just one round but many. The rounds usually begin with a few jabs testing the opponent how strong the opponent is, analyzing their moves and strengths... testing the waters. If we were to look at the opponents size and speed, sometimes it can feel very overpowering and we can wonder how are we going to beat this opponent, it then becomes a feeling of impossibility at times. Especially when we encounter opponents that are twice our size and who are much tougher and quicker than us. We can become fearful and afraid even. If we were to feel this way, we have already lost the match. An example is shown when Saul heard about Goliath who was huge in stature and never lost a battle. Saul became fearful and did not trust in God to deliver Goliath to him. David on the other hand, a small shepherd boy believed and trusted in Gods divine power, went to fight instead. The outcome was David won through his faith that nothing was impossible if God was for him.
Then there are times when the opponent punches from all directions, left, right, uppercut and stomach punches. It feels like this sometimes in our life, the pressures we face each day that comes from all direction, our work, friends, family and at times church. We may feel overwhelmed with many responsiblities from all facets of our life. We can feel like we are pulled under water and difficult to breathe at times. This is because we are not defending, not prepared, by putting our hands up to our face and shielding the blows. We need to be equiped to defend ourselves. We need to protect our hearts for it is the well spring of our life. We need to have a firm foundation on what is true. That is the word of God. Allow the foundation of our walk with God consolidate during the off-season. Because when the foundation is tested and proven strong then it will withstand all the blows. Hence we train and practice hard before our match!
Then there are the rounds where we seem to be doing all the right moves, hitting the opponent at all the right places but it seems the opponent just bounces back like rubber. Like the trouble seems to be lingering and the situation does not change no matter how much effort we're putting into it. Is God trying to say something to you? Are you waiting on his time instead of reacting too fast? Is he developing you in some area? We need to persevere and trust at these times. Knowing God has a reason for allowing things to happen so that we can be moulded and reach our full potential.
When we are down, are we going to give up? Throw in the towel when all seems impossible to get up?
No, we know that our strength comes from God and he has super punches. All our trainings before the match was to build us up to this level. It was to build up our muscle, strength, speed, endurance and technique. They all represent a aspect of our life. Our knowledge, our perseverence, our with, our wisdom ....
So when we are struck down on the ground, getting up is hard on our own strength, but always remember the encouragement from the sideline, the coach (God), the family and friends (church family) cheers you on. Telling us to pick ourselves up, encouraging us that we are more than able to knock this guy off his feet. The coach would say "You can do it my son, use all the things i have given you and taught you, put up your hands when he hits. Jab his stomach when its open, go for the right then quick left when his blocking below".
So remember, we have been trained and equipped, we have been given the authority and power. We have Jesus and God on our side who reigns above and below. How much more do we need to realize we already have victory through Jesus? We need to persevere and knock the enemy to its feet. We don't provoke him but we need to stand firm on Gods promises of victory and push back with strong conviction for what Jesus paid for. (
If we are timid, what do you think the reaction is? Please mr. S, i rebuke you. Or I rebuke you mr.S in Jesus name for all authority has been given to me!) Use your heart, mind, body and spirit of God to fight the good fight. Finally Jesus has given you his special punch, the T.K.O that knocks the opponent out of the ring and left to unconsciousness. Since, he has conquered it all, the temptations, life itself through his resurrection.
