In The Cage Against Adversity

“But now, this is what the Lord says–He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk though the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Isaiah 43:1-2

The reality of the presence of adversity inside the cage of life is a given. Some Christian teachings mistakenly forget that it is called the “good fight” for a reason.  They claim that this fight of faith comes without any hard knocks and those who find themselves on their back being pounded in the spiritual face by adversity, don’t have strong enough faith. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Consider Isaiah’s words: When you pass through the waters . . . when you pass through the rivers . . . when you walk through the fire. In addition, remember what is written in Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. None of that sounds like every punch of adversity has been avoided. However, in each of these places we are promised by the Lord, I will be with you.

The question one must ask is: Which is a greater reality, the intensity of the fight or the presence of the Lord with us during the fight? This question sometimes cannot be answered until we have stood in the center of the cage and exchanged blows with adversity. It is then that the knowing moves from head to heart and the impact of the adversity taps out in God’s presence.

Remember, it is called a fight for a reason. However, we fight from victory, not for victory.  Keep Fighting!