Fighting a Good Fight

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

-          2Timothy 4:7 ESV

Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.

-          Psalms 144:1 ESV

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Martial arts nowadays is considered to be one of the most famous extreme sports. In fact, you can see a lot of it all over the media. However, did you ever think that martial arts is similar to your walk with God? Just like martial arts, all of us is struggling with our own battles in life. Some of us struggle about money, others struggle about relationship, and many more. In our day to day living, we experience a lot of struggles—which by the way, never ends until we die. With this being said, how then can we see to it that we triumph over these battles? How can we be victorious over our struggles in life?

Building a Personal Relationship with God

The only way I know on how to be victorious over our struggles in life is to build an intimate relationship with God.  Just like in martial arts, God is our sensei wherein HE equips us with the things that we need to learn in order for us to become ready for battle (spiritual), HE is our instructor, our trainer (Psalms 144:1). Now, don’t get me wrong this does not make all of our battles in life go away. In fact, our struggles become more intense when we build personal relationship with God. This is because it is within our nature that we are sinful. Hence, being God-centered means going against our sinful nature as a human.

So why then do we need God if it would make our struggles in life stronger?

Our struggles in life grow stronger because as we draw closer to God, we clearly see that the ways of the world are sinful. Because of this, it is only through him that we are able to fight these worldly desires. We have addictions that we recognize as impossible to get out from. However, with Christ in our life, we can be victorious over these addictions that we have (Philippians 4:13). Knowing that Christ has been able to overcome the world (John 16:33), who else can better help us if not HE?

Training for Battle

When a martial artist enter into a battle, he has undergone an intense training months beforehand. This is also the same in our Christian Life. In order for us to be ready for battle (spiritual), we need to be equipped with God’s word. It is in HIM that we are able to do what others see as impossible (Matthew 19:26). Let us also surround ourselves with people that can help us in our race in life. We are made for fellowship and thus having the right people around us can greatly help is in fighting our battles. Furthermore, we must acknowledge our weaknesses instead of denying them. This will great help us in identifying our enemy.

Do not be afraid

When in a match, a martial artist should not give in to his fear or else he loses everything. In the same way, let us not be afraid every time we face difficult situation in our life. Bear in mind that God will always help us (Isiah 41:10) and that his glory will be shown.

Instead of being afraid, seek God more. Pray until something happens. And most especially, do not give in to temptations and stand firm (Galatians 5:1).

Verses to Remember:

• I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2Timothy 4:7 ESV)
• Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle. (Psalms 144:1 ESV)
• I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
• I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
• But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
• Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)
• For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

Questions to Ponder:

• How can I fight a good fight in life?
• What are my weaknesses and how can I be victorious over them?
• How can I draw closer to God?