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