I was eight years old when the movie Rocky was first shown, and I grew up watching every sequel after the first. In each film you found yourself cheering him on while often getting clobbered by his opponent. Yet in the end Rocky would find his strength and desire and win the bloody match. I believe that Paul was the original Rocky. He has been shipwrecked, stranded, stoned, imprisoned, and flogged numerous times. But somehow, he seems to “take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’”.
When you Google the meaning of that phrase you will discover its definition to be, “To be tough; to have endurance, to have the capacity to absorb stress or damage, but still be able to function.” (wiktionary.com) Paul: Tough? He had to be. Endurance? Straight from God. Able to absorb damage but still function? Yes sir, again totally from God.
Paul penned in Romans 8:18, “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” He knew. He had the hope of greater things to come. Paul held fast and was ready for whatever obstacle would come his way before he reached glory.
Do you have that type of stamina? I bet you are stronger than you think.
I was speaking with a friend today about all the struggles she has endured in her life. She was a single-mother at a very young age, moved away, debated frequently with her children’s fathers, has seen success in spite of life’s obstacles in three out of five children, and is watching two of her grown children make mistake after mistake. My sweet friend has made some wrong choices in her life, but has become a strong and loving woman and mother out of it all. As we discussed the choices her children have made, and are still making, the one thing that stood out was the word “choice”. Those who have and are succeeding have made the determined choice to rise above and be effective. The other two children’s choices keep landing them two steps back.
After nearly 30 years of “knock outs” for my friend, she is still standing. She, like Paul, knows of the glory that will be waiting for her in heaven. Does she still struggle with difficulties at times? Well, don’t we all. But she has given her life to God and knows that He is in control. My friend made her choice. Now you need to make yours. Go with God? Why not!
We probably all have a little “Rocky/Paul” in us. Remember 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.”
So, the next time Satan tries to swing at you, “Put’em up” and get ready to give him the big K.O. Exodus 14:14 says, “The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
July 28, “Walking in the Word”
