Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. -1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)
It was maybe 2007 when I finally saw a “Rocky” film (I know…what?). And wow. Just, wow. What a powerful and moving underdog story!
Agents, believers, followers of Christ…we are a lot like Rocky, aren’t we? The world discounts us. We take pounding and after pounding, round after round. Sometimes it feels like the opponent is just too much for us to handle. It feels like we’re just getting bloodied and pummeled, with no end in sight.
But, like Rocky, we can be overcomers, if only we stick it out.
Do not fear
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” -Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. -2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
We are not to fear, for God is with us. He goes before us, next to us, and behind us…no matter what enemy or trial we face. There is nothing in this world–living or not–that we cannot stand boldly before with the ultimate force multiplier on our side!
Persevere
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. -Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
This particular passage from Paul’s letter to Christians in Rome is profound in explaining the fruits of suffering…the result of hanging in there and going toe to toe with our trials.
Can you find joy in your suffering? Maybe that can be a stretch when things are really tough, but to see Paul’s explanation of the underlying spiritual growth, vision, and hope that are born from it glorify God…and make you a stronger, straighter-walking Christian to boot!
Ding ding!
This round is over, and the next is coming up. Sit for a moment. Refresh in His living water and remember that we are here fighting the good fight of faith, with the very best support in our corner.
Let’s rise again and do this. ONE MORE ROUND!
Today’s soundtrack
Mandisa’s “Overcomer” likens us to fighters, going the fight till the final round. Let’s do it!
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