Faith and Courage to Persevere
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
Hang in there and stick it out. Believe that God loves you and will carry you. You have the strength.
Phillipians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
In Him, you can do all things. Phillipians 4:13 is a verse I have committed to memory. Evander Holyfield wore it on his trunks the night he fought Mike Tyson. Holyfield was a model of faith in Christ, vocally praising the Lord time and time again in the public arena. A fitting model for me, for reasons that hit home. First, for what I have already mentioned. But also, and more meaningful, he was far from perfect. Flawed in many ways outside of boxing, he fell down in his life. A sinner saved by grace. Kind of like David in the Bible. Despite flaws that are common among men, he loved God and was used by Him to do great things; to overcome huge challenges with unshakeable faith as his driver.
That night, that fight, was a demonstration of faith. In the ring against a man who was still the most feared of heavyweights, Holyfield got in there and did not run. A classic example of perseverance under trial. He stood and fought right from the opening bell, believing in himself because he believed in a God who was much bigger than the menacing obstacle he had in front of him. He believed in what was embroidered on his trunks, and when the smoke cleared he was the one still standing.
And we too can believe in and apply what today’s verse tells us. Tough days and tough trials will come, but we are equipped to overcome. Our battles may not be televised worldwide, but they will represent victories as well. We can win by hanging in there, and the true victory will come later. God promises us that, and He will be faithful to keep His promise even when we are sometimes not.
