I'm a huge boxing fan! I love the drama and intensity of each round. I watch on the edge of my seat in anticipation of the knock out. There's just something about seeing two people stand toe-to-toe and battle it out until the bitter end.
Although I find boxing entertaining, it probably doesn't feel as exciting for the fighters weathering the storm in the ring. I can only imagine how much fortitude and stamina it takes to endure such relentless pressure and pain.
While we may never get into an actual boxing ring and physically duke it out with an opponent, there is still a spiritual war going on. Everyday we must grapple with our Chief Adversary Satan, who is always seeking ways to expose and exploit our weaknesses. He likes to play on our vulnerabilities in the hopes of "knocking us out" with an unexpected blow.
But I want you to be encouraged. You don't have to fight in your own strength. The Lord is with you through every test and trial. Even when you're being tried in the fire, God won't allow you to be consumed. You're coming out with the victory.
But here's what you have to remember.
Just like in the actual sport of boxing, how the fight turns out is often determined by each fighter's conditioning. Whoever has trained the hardest and is in the best shape will be stronger throughout the course of the match. Ultimately, it's all about survival of the fittest.
Similarly, as we go through our own personal battles, we have to make sure that we are spiritually fit for war. We can never forget that we are in a constant struggle with the enemy. Unless our spirit has been fortified through the Word of God, we don't have any chance of triumphing over adversity.
I'm admonishing you today to get before God. Ask Him to strengthen you and prepare you for your next level of victory. He has so much in store for you, but there's something you have to be aware of... "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8 NIV).
He doesn't want us to endure. He wants us to give in under the weight of the pressure.
But as long as we abide in Christ, our enemy has no power over us. You're strong. You're fit to fight. You will endure. You will overcome. At the end of the battle, you'll walk away with the title... and it will say "Over-comer"!
Until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
