Yo, Adrienne!

In one of the ROCKY movies (who can keep them straight?) Apollo Creed is Rocky’s trainer. Apollo races Rocky, fights him, and works Rocky over. Why? Rocky wants to regain his boxing title, and even though the training is hard (very hard) Rocky’s goal is to gain strength to endure the big fight.

In our own lives, sometimes life seems to throw us punches. Yet it’s these daily punches; a broken dishwasher, a testy neighbor, or a rejection (business or personal) that strengthens us for the future–not with our own strength, but with God’s. These challenges keep on our knees. Keep us seeking God’s face.

Oswald Chambers says, “We have seen what we are not, and what God wants us to be, but are we willing to have the vision ‘batter’d to shape and use’ by God. The batterings always come in commonplace ways and through commonplace people.”

Personally, the last few weeks have thrown me some unexpected punches. Family emergencies remind me that my schedule is not my own. Sometimes I’ve felt tired and worked over, yet God has proven faithful. In my weakness, His strength is complete.

Maybe you feel worked over today. Remember, we are strongest on our knees. In the world’s eyes kneeling in submission and surrender is a sign of weakness, but in the long run we are better suited to endure the good fight.

Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner’s choice! Tell your friends.