We all want to be victorious and have our fist raised high at the end of our life. 

But how do we respond when everything and everyone, seems to be against us? Like a fighter in the ring, do we dig deep and step up, or retreat and throw in the towel? 

Growing up in a house full of brothers, fights were common among us; most good natured, some not…  but for sure, each one a test of our strength. I’ve observed the same with my own boys from an early age – almost as if the fight is inherent in us.

Being the youngest, I was the obvious underdog who tried to hold my own against my two older brothers. It was a constant battle to be the reigning champ; and rarely did I come out on top.

This position of underdog followed me into adulthood; not because the odds have ever been stacked against me, but due to a low self-esteem. 

Only those closest to me know how difficult doubt has been in my life. It causes me to question myself, overthink things, and ultimately take a passive aggressive approach to conflict. Hesitant and fearful to face a fight head on, I will circle the ring in hopes I can avoid it completely to save my reputation.

To be clear, I have never actually been in a serious physical conflict. But what we are talking about here is far more important then a mere fist fight. This is a fight for our lives, against an opponent who comes in ways we least expect; ways where we are likely not trained to have our guard up. 

This enemy does his homework on each of us, watching tapes of our lives and capitalizing on each and every misstep.

It was in those early years where I most felt the relentless string of punches on me. Common demands and pressures that most men face felt out of reach and overwhelming to me. Trying to meet expectations as I navigated a new career, marriage and family; the days were long, and the nights much longer.

In exhaustion, there were many moments that I lost sight of the real opponent, getting spun around and turning on those who were in my own corner; insensitive and short-tempered jabs that would leave me humiliated by the time the lights went out. 

During this stage, every day felt like a full twelve rounds. Some ending with a clear loss, others a win… and many a no decision; left to retrace the days events in fine detail. 

It felt like an endless battle.

However, as Rocky Balboa once said ‘Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up’ and somehow I managed to not give up. 

I say somehow, but in reality it was Someone.

For anyone who has watched a boxing match, they will agree that the fighter is only as good as the coach in his corner. The one he can turn to between rounds for reassurance and guidance no matter what stands against him.

Without God in my corner to coach me, motivate me, and lift me up; I would never have made it. 

Only through Him, have I learned where my weak spots are and how to make every punch count; Punches that take the wind out of our opponent.

I have gained confidence, knowing I’m not alone; as Deuteronomy 20:4 says, God ‘goes with me’, and ‘fights for me’ to ‘give me victory’

In fact, 2 Corinthians 12:10 goes as far to say ‘when I am weak, He is strong’

And so in those critical points of the fight, instead of rushing in, I have trained to lean back on Him.

This has made all the difference in my approach; knowing I am but an extension of His reach and power.

Victory then is not mine to claim

It is only truly found, in Him.