Have you ever watched boxing when one guy has been brutally beaten, but he still has the fortitude to keep fighting? He may have blood streaming from his eyes and his nose, but he stays out there. It may look like he is about to crumble with pure exhaustion and defeat, but somehow he manages to fight through that and in the final round delivers a stunning blow that leaves his opponent on the mat unable to get up again. Sometimes that is how we feel (and look) in our Christian fight. There may be some rounds where Satan throws some pretty powerful punches and may even knock us down…
Today, if you are weary from the blows you have been given, take encouragement from Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”) and you will have the same testimony as Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7–8:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Like what you’ve read? Read the full passage when you order a signed copy of the devotional, Reflections of God’s Grace below.
