Scripture & Thought
2 Corinthians 4:9 (J.B. Phillips)
We may be knocked down but we are never knocked out!
Legendary coach Vince Lombardi was famous for the inspirational speeches he gave to his players prior to the beginning of games in the National Football League during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Here is one of his quotes: “It’s not whether you get knocked down, because you will. It’s whether you get up.” He could have added, “And you will get up, if you intend to play for the Green Bay Packers!”
That’s good advice for Christians, whether or not they are football players. The Apostle Paul wrote these words in his second letter to the Christians at Corinth, 2 Corinthians 4:9 – “We may be knocked down but we are never knocked out.”
Don’t think it is something strange if you are experiencing all kinds of trials. Sometimes we can feel the pain of them in our gut. It may be a Judas who betrays us. It could be someone we thought was a friend who turns out to be leading the opposition. It could be an accumulation of “little foxes” that come and steal the joy from within us. Jesus told us about this so when it does happen, we will know what is going on.
Like the first disciples, we have selective hearing. We hear what we want to hear until life itself hits us hard. So, if this week has been unusually tough for you – if you find yourself knocked down, get up! You cannot fight very well from a prone position – unless you are prone in prayer! Ask the Lord to raise you up.
A counselor asked a counselee, “How are you doing?” The person responded, “Not bad, under the circumstances.” To which the counselor asked, “What are you doing under there?” Now that’s a good question!
We may be knocked down, but the truth is we are not knocked out! The Psalmist said. “God is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in time of trouble!”
Rise up, my friends! Stand on your feet, and you will win! Better yet, find a friend to stand with you! That is God’s plan (check out Ecclesiastes 4:12). That’s how God wants your story to end. Victorious!
Prayer: Lord, I need you today. I give you this past week and its struggles. Help me regroup and get right back and fight this good fight of faith. I need you to strengthen me. I am weak, but you are strong. I believe that you are faithful to all your promises and that you will be faithful to me today and in the days ahead.
Amen!