Living and finishing strong

    This is a little off subject of my normal post. However, there is nothing closer to my heart at this very moment. Happiness comes from defying odds, denying self and embracing trials.  You see this is where faith comes into play. Jesus didn’t come to make strong men stronger; He came so that the weak can find strength in Him. He didn’t come to live a life that was all about Him. Rather, he denied and humbled Himself and died among thieves. He didn’t come so that we can have a peaceful life with no heartaches. Instead, He said our life could even be harder. 

     We are the underdogs. Our story is that of heroism. We rise from death to adopted sons and daughters of the Living God. I, as Paul, count my life as nothing. I no longer live to satisfy my own needs and desires. I freely give my life to God. There is so much happiness, fulfillment, and excitement here.

     I know that everyday I wake from my bed that I enter a boxing ring. Often I feel unprepared and untrained. I’ll take blows to the body. I can take blows to my head. The hardest blows to recover from are those thrust on the heart. But Jesus is right there taking the blows with me. He is in the corner coaching me, giving me encouragement. He keeps telling me “You’re doing well, keep your focus on Me. You’ll get through this round.” Between rounds He is healing my wounds and giving me rest. He knows exactly what I need to keep going round after round punch after punch.

     The funny thing is that I’ve lost a couple of rounds. But He has never left my corner. He only offers encouragement and allows me to learn from my many mistakes.  What coach would stop coaching in the middle of a fight because a round or two was lost? None! Jesus doesn’t stop coaching. He is with you every round. He is there to make sure you finish strong.

     I am a man whose strength comes from the Lord. I will boast in my weakness. In my weakness He is strong. I will finish victorious! I will defy all odds! I will rise above all negativity! I will finish strong. My body may take a lot of beating from my opponent. However, I have the greatest Physician in my corner. Nothing can stop me. For I am a disciple of Jesus Christ! I’m a man, I’m a leader, and I refuse to live in defeat! I refuse to be knocked out. I have a strong heart. I will endure till I’m victorious!!! Men Finish Strong!