A boxing match called life

It is a test of skill and will power. Sometimes the strongest man doesn't win but the smartest one does. The one who plans, strategizes and changes the plan to accommodate the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent. It's not always about the physical but the mental acumen of the fighter. If you can get inside your opponents head you can out smart, out wit or out fight them.

You have to become a master at the art of ducking, bobbing, and weaving to stay ahead of your opponent and then you have to implement the art of jabbing, upper cutting and landing those body shots that will wear your opponent out.

Our opponents in life are just like the opponents the fighter faces in the ring. Ever changing, shifting and in it for the long haul. From the ringing of the first bell (birth) to the ding of the final bell (death) it is a fight. We struggle with the first breath we take and at death there is a momentary struggle before it's sweet release. Along the way, somewhere between Rounds 1 - 12 we learn to master the art of offense and defense; the bobbing, weaving, jabbing and counter attacking.

But our fight is not our own. "...This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15)

Our opponent is not unknown to us either. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)

His mission has been spelled out for all to understand and so has the plan to defeat him and the prize. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

So Amazing

We serve an awesome God. He is truly amazing. I marvel daily at all the ways in which He chooses to interact in my life. I awake each morning to a new day, a new chance to walk a little closer to Him and fulfill my purpose here. Mercy and grace anew each day is his promise to us and I bask in that knowledge. Some days I've used my quota before getting to work and others I feel that I've done pretty good at the end of the day by way of purposing my life, my thoughts and my actions to be mindful of His mercy and grace throughout the day.

As I take my morning walks and soak in all He has given us it leaves me amazed. This morning was a glorious morning for a walk. Nice breeze blowing, birds chirping, sun peeking through the clouds and me and God communing as I huffed and puffed around the neighborhood. I constantly wonder at how He uses times like these to reveal himself and all his wisdom and glory to one so unworthy as I. The understanding I get when I just allow the holy spirit to minister to me and stop trying to reason it all out for myself. Letting go and letting God is hard but boy are the blessings that flow from it worth it.