Thursday, September 27, 2012

Cheap Shots




It's the 11th round of a boxing match. A title belt bout for the rest of your life. Would you throw in the towel after taking a few cheap shots below the belt? I assure you the Referee will not put up with cheap shots. He'll stop the fight, and disqualify your opponent.

You are well into the fight and it seems you are doing all you can do just to stand. Then, the bell rings (ding! ding!). With your back in the corner, you finally get to take a short breather. You're receiving instruction, and encouragement from your team. You hear things like; "there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus." "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." "You're an Overcomer!" "You're more than a conqueror!"

The bell rings for the final round and your opponent comes out swinging. He's after your title. He's after your witness. You're giving it your all, but it doesn't seem to be enough. He hits you with a jab of accusation, an upper cut of condemnation, then a fierce combo of lies. You're staggering around with no sight and swollen eyes. Deafened by the crowd's cries. I have no sense of where I am, or where I'm going. It's all by faith from here on out.

As the enemy moves in for his final blow I hear a voice rise above it all... "I Am with you always." The final blow makes an impact, but it was a cheap shot. The Referee calls the fight, and holds me up in victory.  It doesn't take a knock out punch for a victory. The battle is already won, but the fight isn't over. Start well, finish well. Endure to the end. After doing all you can do to stand, Christian. Stand.