The Fight: Round 12

by Tim Howard

Those who don’t give up win title fights. Three things are needed to win the battles of life. Jesus commended a woman who was experiencing tremendous difficulties and in need of legal assistance. She was battling an arrogant Judge who resisted her pleas. Continuing to persevere, however, she won him over and received justice. 

I’ve seen a lot of fights won in the last round. The fighters may have led on points according to the judges but going into the 12^th and final round they were knocked out and lost the battle. Why? The contender persevered! It’s reminiscent of Ecclesiastes 9 that says: the race is not always won by the fastest or the battle to the strongest nor does wealth always come to the most brilliant. Sometimes other factors come into play. You need PERSEVERANCE to win.

It’s not how you begin a fight that’s most important but how you finish and you won’t finish if you aren’t prepared. Being PREPARED for battle before the battle begins is the second key to obtaining victory. Many times we lose because we are taken by surprise and not ready for what’s ahead.

Paul in Ephesians Chapter 6 gives us seven directives that prepare us for the challenges ahead.

1. Make sure your head is screwed on straight. Know whom you can depend upon. If you are in need, Jesus is the one who can save you. He alone rescues. 
2. Commit yourself to doing what’s right. You may not always do things the right way but you can do the right thing. 
3. Determine to be truthful. Lying will undermine what God wants to do in you and through you. If you want to finish the fight, every round must be founded upon truth.
4. Pursue peace and not war. Blessed are the peacemakers.
5. Don’t’ fight the battles of life without faith in Christ. We all have faith but the question is: Who or where do we put our faith? Some put confidence in their financial wealth. Others depend upon their skills and abilities but those who finish strong put their faith in Christ. 
6. Don’t let people’s opinion have more power than God’s word. Realize and recognize God always has the final word.
7. Don’t fight battles alone. Keep in contact with the coach. Jesus! Pray at all times in a variety of ways. Don’t settle for only talking to others when you face difficulties. You have a Heavenly Father who listens whenever you call. 

Paul calls these seven directives the armor of God. They will protect you and lead you to victory. When you prepare yourself in these seven ways, you can stand against anything that comes across your path. 

The third key to victory is being PRO-ACTIVE. You must live life on purpose! Be intentional. Paul, who gave these directives, said: “Fight the good fight.” Get involved! Don’t be passive. Press on to victory. Many fights aren’t worth fighting but others must be fought and you must win. Don’t wait for victory to come to you, go after it.

When all is said and done the Apostle Paul penned these words: 2Tim. 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”    God wants to equip you to become a championship fighter. You may be fighting depression, hopelessness, sickness, chronic pain or some other battle. God says: John 16:33 … “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”