My husband and I love all the “Rocky” movies. The very first gift I ever received from him was the soundtrack (album) to the original Rocky. 
Have you ever felt like you were in the middle of a boxing ring?
Something hits you out of no where and as soon as you get up, another right hook is there to put you down again?
Anyone?
The last several months has been one thing after another with family members and my personal health. In fact, all kinds of punches have been leveled. I have been rather sore.
I know that I am not alone.
I kept hearing… “Count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2
I don’t remember Rocky getting hit by Apollo Creed and singing, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.” So what gives?
“Count” means to evaluate how we look at something. So how do we look at these things from God’s perspective? We know that “…in this world we will have troubles…” (John 16:33), and I believe that these trials are in our life because of the sinful world in which we live, not because we are being punished for something.
But can we learn from them with the right perspective?
“Joy” means an inner sense of well being; deep settled peace…strength, not superficial giddiness.
“Perseverance” means endurance, steadfastness, patience and victory over the trial.
Back to Rocky.
He evaluated his fight. How did he look at it? 
With the perspective that he could win.
He had a deep settled peace and strength.
And talk about perseverance!
He trusted his training. He trusted his trainer.
Made me think. Do I trust my trainer? Has He always taught me truth? Has he been faithful?
So until I know I am to be “down for the count”, this old gal is getting back up! Whose with me?
~Be Encouraged Today~
Tammy
Illustration credit: Rocky
Encouragement for Today 
What an excellent post Tammy! It’s so relatable. One aspect of a boxing match is that it’s a lonely sport when you meet your opponent at first. No one but you are in that ring, only you can make the decision to resist temptation or give in to defeat. (Well unless you’re knocked out completely – but you get the point. 🙂 God indeed is our trainer. We can listen to Him, gaining strength from his encouragement, do as He says and go on knowing we’ve given our all. That’s all He asks from us – strive to give our best. Blessings back,
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Oh Ellie, how sweet of you to comment. I have been struggling a bit of late and the Father allowed me to study these verses one night, then gave me an illustration the next night to encourage me. My health issues just keep coming….but all is temporary. He is faithful, no matter how I “feel”…I am not down for the count yet! Love you friend!
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I’m so sorry you continue to go through so many health issues, especially when I know you eat a sensible diet. It seems your struggles are never-ending lately! Your challenges are far worse than mine. Sometimes we just have to point to our DNA and recognize, “Okay God, according to Psalm 139 you made me, what are you trying to tell me here? You promised your Grace is sufficient for me – so You take it from here, okay?”
I can relate, because as healthy as I eat, my body is rebelling. I’ve developed two serious renal aneurysms in only 6 months. An exploratory procedure before surgery, lost consciousness and two pints of blood when my Hemoglobin dropped from 12 to 8 in 2 hours. I had to be revived thru CPR, spent 2 1/2 days in the hospital. I love research and wonder if it’s a connection between Benadryl taken for Florida allergies and aneurysms. (Think I’d rather sneeze after all)
Hang in there friend, life is short, eternity is forever 🙂 and we’ll see each other on this earth or on the New Earth. Prayers and blessings for you always, ❤
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Oh my! I am glad you are ok…but whoa, “revived through CPR?” Sister, I am glad you pulled through that! I am like you, research, research and I was just diagnosed with “thrush”..a perfect storm of antibiotics, steroids, and inhalers. I am sure I had an asthma attack due to bad levels to chlorine in a pool for walking. At any rate, I am on a mission now. I think that is one of my huge problems. But alas, His grace is sufficient and I totally give it to Him. Proof positive that these old “earth suits” indeed wear out! Love you…and yes, life is temporal here on this earth. Love you!!
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But man, are we gonna have a fantastic time exploring Heaven and our New Earth together, aren’t we?!! Literally we’ll have all the time in the world 🙂 Until then we’ll continue to pray for each other! ❤
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Amen!
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