The Boxing Ring

The phrase “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” was coined by Muhammad Ali. He is thought of as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Now I’m not much of a sports fan, but, boxing intrigues me. I’ve watched many matches through the cracks of my fingers as my hand covers my eyes. It’s strange how something so gruesome can be so appealing.

One punch seems hard to take and yet these fighters endure blow after blow. The bell dings and each person proceeds to separate corners. They both get a short reprieve as their trainer imparts wisdom, offers encouragement and cleans up wounds. The bell dings again and they are back at it. One of the most thrilling parts is watching someone who we think is completely done, rise up from the ground they once lay on, look at their opponent, and say with their eyes “oh, it’s on.”

Life can be so much like a boxing ring. A few months ago, our family faced one battle after another. After our faces met the fist a few times, instead of saying “oh, it’s on,” it was more like “oh, come on!” Ever been there? Where you start asking the question “Why?” “Why, God, are you punishing me?” “Why won’t the dark clouds part?” “Why do I have to keep facing such opposition?”

Each one of us will face our own trials or rounds I should say, for the sake of this blog. Some last briefly and others seem unending. We may bring these fights on ourselves and other times get sucker punched. Either way, what matters most is how we respond. It’s easier to give up when weary. It's harder to get back up and persevere.  But God, our ultimate trainer, urges us to. Whatever battle you have faced, are facing or will face is no surprise to God. He is always in our corner waiting for us to come to Him. He takes no pleasure in punishing but He does allow our circumstances to instruct and strengthen us. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11.

The boxer doesn’t step into the ring for their first fight after one day of training. They’ve already gone through some agony to get where they are. They've prepared for the main event. It’s the same with us. Romans 5 tells us that that “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” The difference is the boxer’s hope is in winning to receive recognition for himself. The Christian’s hope should be on nothing of this world, but rather in Jesus, to whom all glory and honor go.

So, the next time we find ourselves in the ring, may we take comfort in knowing we aren’t there alone. Just listen for the bell to ding and head towards the trainer.

Father in Heaven,
Thank you for being all knowing, all loving and always here, whether I feel it or not. Help me to fight the good fight and not give in to anything that displeases you or lose faith. Forgive me when I lose sight of you. In Jesus' name, Amen.