This last Friday, a sports legend passed away.
Muhammad Ali, perhaps the greatest boxer of all time, died at the age of 74.
I've never been a boxing fan, but I have to admit that Ali was gifted with incredible athletic ability.
He was an innovative and strategic fighter (who could forget "rope-a-dope"), a flashy and quick-witted character ("float like a butterfly, sting like a bee"), and became perhaps the first boxer to bring celebrity to the sport.
His death made me think of a post that I wrote five years ago (with some 2016 *tweaks*), and I hope you don't mind me sharing a re-post of it.
The original was titled, "Two-Fisted Faith."
Faith is tough sometimes, isn't it?
And yet, we need to have tough faith.
Faith that stands against the enemy's attacks.
Faith that stands strong…
But are you like me?
Sometimes I struggle with faith – struggle with what it requires.
You know that little red-and-white bullseye logo for a certain company? (Target…)
Paint one of those right on my back.
And it always seems like the enemy seeks us out when we are least able to fight.
When we are weak or tired or sick or hurt or overwrought.
It's like our vulnerability draws him in – like a heat-seeking missile.
He zeroes in – waiting for the perfect, unprotected moment to strike.
And strike he does…over and over…
I'm being bombarded.
Suffice it to say, the attacks are coming on various fronts, and my family has had more things happen in the last month than has happened in the last year…
Sometimes it makes me feel like I just want to run and hide.
It was easier flying "under" Satan's radar.
It is so easy to doubt God's presence and His plan, when our eyes are so short-sighted, our minds so limited by human understanding.
Sometimes we have doubts and fears – and they seem overwhelming.
After all, we're still walking through "the valley of the shadow of death."
And it is in that valley that the devil whispers one of his worst taunts…
"Is God really good?"
Sometimes, the evidence seems to point otherwise.
I think this is the believer's greatest battle – to believe, no matter what.
A few years ago, at my church down-the-hill, the pastor gave a message that talked about this battle, and about the kind of faith that we need to fight it.
The pastor called it "two-fisted faith."
He used this Scripture to explain what he meant:
"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power…" (Daniel 3:16-17, NLT)
That's one fist…
"But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you…that we will NEVER serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (Daniel 3:18, NLT)
That would be the second fist – and I'd say it's the one that delivers the knockout punch.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God to deliver them.
BUT, they were determined to be faithful regardless of the consequences.
This is crucial – we must be faithful to serve God whether He intervenes on our behalf or not.
OUCH.
That's such a tough one for me.
But I am asking the Lord to increase my faith muscles.
To strengthen my shaky legs, and restore my spirit.
To enable me to stand strong, in spite of the attacks.
To give me a sense of His presence and peace.
We are never alone.
Remember that fiery furnace?
Catch this dialogue:
"But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, 'Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?'
'Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,' they replied.
'Look!' Nebuchadnezzar shouted. 'I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!'"
(Daniel 3:24-25, NLT)
Let me tell you this, fellow fighters...
There will always be that fourth person in the fire…standing alongside…keeping the fires of adversity from burning us up.
God is good.
He has a Master Plan that is unfolding, though it may be unknown to us.
We must ground ourselves in the faithful promises of God, not in our feelings.
We have to allow our doubts and fears to lead us closer to Him.
We must fight strong.
So, even though I have a target on my back, I'm asking the Lord to help me raise two little fists in faith.
One punch – I believe God will save me...
Two punch – and even if He doesn't, I will never bow down...
Knockout!!
Will you join me in the fight?
 |
Pow! Kaboom! The enemy hits the mat, down and out, Ten count... and... Victory!! |
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength!" (Habbakuk 3:17-19, NLT)
"The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!' The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD."
(Lamentations 3:19-26, NLT)
"'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.'" (Isaiah 43:1-3, NLT)
"Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:6-7, NASB)
"He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me." (Psalm 18:16-19, NLT)
"...if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 124:2-8, NIV)
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13, NIV)
"Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you."
(James 4:7, AMP)
"And the satraps, the deputies, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered around together and saw these men – that the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed; neither were their garments scorched or changed in color or condition, nor had even the smell of smoke clung to them. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, 'Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who believed in, trusted in, and relied on Him!'"
(Daniel 3:27-28, AMP)
Linked with:
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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Ah Sharon ... good the first time and even greater this second time and love the connection to current passing of "Ali" ... {I am more of a box fan than other sports, but still don't know all the famous boxers yet I do this one. My dad was a boxer in his younger days.} So your intro tribute to a legendary great is warmly welcomed and appreciated that even without being a boxing fan, you took time out to acknowledge one and even better connected once again to our spiritual battles and really needed application to our faith. I know that these truths are what we need and can be thankful for when the final "knockout" happens - far beyond a TKO or "sting like a bee" punch! Jesus delivers that final blow with such aMazing Grace and finality (of this we can be sure even in those days or months or years when we feel like the enemy's punching bag) --- "two fisted faith" Amen! Thanks for the defense and reminding us.
ReplyDeleteMuch love and prayers - God bless Sharon!~Peggy
Oh Sharon, it is always a delight to have you as my neighbor. I really like the post and am glad that you re-posted it. I like the 2nd punch a lot and so needed to be reminded of it. Especially this week, as we have been standing in faith believe for God to do miracle in the area of my husbands job which is moving out of state... We've been standing and trusting God, but even if nothing changes, we will not waiver! Such a great reminder - thank you so much... neighbors today at #SharingHisBeauty and #MondayMusings
ReplyDeleteI will join you in the fight.
ReplyDeleteWhat an encouraging post, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteLove this quote, "He has a Master Plan that is unfolding, though it may be unknown to us."
I found your post today on Modest Mom.
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
Got my boxing gloves on and am ready for the ring!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Sharon, and wonderful reminder that God is with us in every battle we face.
Blessings!
Two-fisted faith reminds me of the need to throw combinations not just a one and done. The enemy who really matters will never give up...neither should I.
ReplyDeleteYes, joining you in the boxing ring with my boxing gloves on :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Well, you must have posted this first before I entered the land of blog since I don't remember it. I'm so glad you brought it back out! Last week, I answered some questions on the hodgepodge linky and one of the questions was "Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel?" After thinking back through my life, I honestly could not remember a time when I felt that way....oh yes, there have been trials upon trials but thank God, I never felt like just giving up. My plan is to continue on in the boxing ring...and I don't even like the sport! :) God bless, my friend!
ReplyDeleteOooh, a power post! Liking this today:) The image of the fourth frame in the fire is intense. I envision Him standing next to me, undeterred by heat or danger. It's a really comforting thought. Thank you for that imagery today Sharon and I'm happy to be your #rara neighbor:)
ReplyDeleteThanks be to God Who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord! And, thank you, dear friend, for re-sharing this amazing post. I was thinking about when you said you had been asking God to strengthen your faith muscles...He has surely brought you through so much pain and so many trials over the past several months...this is the very way He increases our faith, and He is surely doing that in and through you, sweet friend. You and your posts are so precious to me...I apologize that I have been absent lately, but it was so good to finally be able to sit down and visit with you today. God bless you abundantly. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, currently we in our ladies group are going through a Daniel bible study of Beth Moore's. I am looking forward to telling the ladies about the double fisted faith of Shadrack, meschak and Abednigo! It is so true we need to show that kind of faith. I have felt we Christians this side have also been lambasted of late! But, with Christ, we will overcome!
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Yeah, that' some solid doctrine, right there. "Two fisted faith", I like that. We end up with our Father, and there's no better place to be. Our job in the meantime is to show that two fisted faith. Excellent advice and reminder, Sharon. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I recently was reminded by the Lord that I had been "flying under the radar" as you put it. Just in a spiritual rut. He both challenged and encouraged me to walk with him in victory, fighting for my family in prayer and standing firm in His Word. Thank you for your encouragement!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I've always loved the part where the three Hebrew children told ole Nebuchadnezzar, "But if NOT, we will still not bow down." To have that "But if not" attitude - we all need it.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the two-fisted analogy - and delivering that knock-out punch. Thanks for sharing at The Loft.
Oh, Sharon…this is so amazing! I just got back into blog reading again after several months of grieving, and you are among the first! So good to be reading your wisdom again! Just love this! And the bullseye image…so true! Love this: "This is crucial – we must be faithful to serve God whether He intervenes on our behalf or not." Just the best! Blessings, My Friend!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes, Sharon: "I think this is the believer's greatest battle – to believe, no matter what." You've hit the target on this one!
ReplyDeleteGosh, Sharon, I am cheering over this post. You have shared such wonderful truth. I have a friend who has just gone through an incredible test of her faith. She and I were speaking yesterday about it and the words she used were, "I let my armor down." In those times of testing, we must use the armor that God has given us. I've been in the fire, and had I not had Jesus, I would have burned to a crisp. So glad you linked this post at The Loft this week.
ReplyDeleteAlways love reading your posts. Your attention to each detail is amazing. God Bless You
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely learning not to try to figure some things out, but to just be faithful in seeking and let God figure things out on my behalf. So hard sometimes when you want immediate answers.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's a matter of turning up in front of God and saying things are not good, but I'm still believing you are good. Thanks, Sharon.
ReplyDeleteOne two and you are out, we can shout at the devil when he tries to hit that target on our back. (or front as we face him.) I like your Pastor's thoughts on Two Fisted fighting. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
ReplyDeleteIncrease your faith muscles? I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful He has the Master Plan. Thank you for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed us. Coming from Let us Walk Worthy!
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased to be your neighbor today, Sharon! and your post is the perfect accompaniment to mine! Love it when that happens! That second punch? yes, and amen! Blessings on your week, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for always including so many "fighter" verses. "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief." Good to see you again at the #LMMLinkup.
ReplyDeleteTwo fisted -- one won't work without the other. In fact, I needed to read this today. That "if He doesn't, I will..."
ReplyDeleteI loved this, SHaron! You just reminded me that I am in a fight for my life. With God on my side, I can strike that knock out punch! Yes!
ReplyDelete#LoftLinkup
Such an inspiring article. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great read. "It is so easy to doubt God's presence and His plan, when our eyes are so short-sighted, our minds so limited by human understanding." This is so true for me. Striving to keep my eyes on Jesus and join you in the fight.
ReplyDeleteGreat message, Sharon! I like the idea of the "two-fisted faith!" Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week :)
ReplyDelete