In the sport of boxing, one of the strategies for success is delivering body blows to the opponent. These are punches to the abdomen and rib areas. It serves to take the air out of a competitor. These are hard hitting punches that slowly wear down the opponent. Each punch takes a toll.
There are body blows in life. Punches that are so hard it takes the wind out of us. Some blows are knee buckling. Such circumstances can hit so hard they leave you stunned. You are disoriented. You lose a little heart and wonder how you will keep going. Such staggering hits can cause you to lose a little faith and a lot of hope. These blows often come unexpectedly. It can be a lump on the body that turns out to be cancerous. It can be watching loved ones suffer inexplicably as you view helplessly unable to shield them from the blows. At other times, these blows come in the form of unexpected car repairs or a financial crisis you had not planned.
I recall sitting in a doctor office with two of my sons on different occasions waiting for the diagnosis of knee injuries. I did that five separate times between the two of them. The doctor confirmed our worst fears every time. Season ending injuries which required surgical repairs. I watched the tears stream down both Tucker's and Turner's cheeks upon hearing this news. Devastating to them as well as Brenda and I. I told both of them, "What you believe about God right now in the midst of this bad news is really important." In those times it is easy to doubt God loves you and that He is faithful.
I've learned a lot over the years reading the accounts of people who suffered and yet clung to their faith. The body blows of life did not destroy their faith. Those are the people who inspire me to persevere through difficult times and not waver in unbelief. Sometimes this is easier said and done. Look at the case of Job. His immediate response to immense suffering in [Job 1:20-21] is challenging and inspiring. He did not blame God of wrongdoing. He did not grow bitter. He did not walk away from God in anger. He bowed and worshipped. He still found reason to bless God in the triumphs and the tragedies.
I've heard numerous stories this past week of people getting punched in the gut by life. Three different people either had cars break down or were involved in a wreck totaling a car. There were other body blows I am not at liberty to write about. What do you say? I turn to a verse I have received comfort and strength from for over three decades. [Ps 46:1]. God is our refuge, strength, and a very present help in times of trouble. Over and over again we go to Him for peace in tough times. He is the one who provides strength to keep going when you are emotionally, spiritually, and physically wrecked. He helps you get through the next moment, the next hour, and the next day. He helps us through the next body blow of a crisis. Those body blows hurt. We are not always shielded from the pain. We are given everything needed to endure the pain and press on to better days. I'm not saying that is easy. I am saying it is possible. May we all believe to see the goodness of God in the land of the living and get past the body blows. [Ps 37:14]
