Post published by Akeakua

One More Round​

There is a way through the pain, the loss, the heartache. There is hope, whether you feel it or not. There is strength to take the next breath, the next step. God is near. He loves you, and He is with you in your pain. Please don’t go through this struggle alone—you weren’t meant to. You might think there is no one there for you, but there is. Call someone you trust and who loves you. Bring that person in, no matter how you think they’ll react. But most of all, know that there’s a way through this because of Jesus. He makes a way where there is no way. He is the answer to our darkest pain and our deepest need. Just wait; there’s more for you—more for your future, for your family. Dawn is coming.

Lean in close for a second, and listen to this: you are the only you. There is no one like you. No one else has your DNA. Your fingerprints are unique to you. You may look like someone or remind others of somebody else, but that person isn’t you. No one can do what you do. No one else can fill the space God gave you to fill. You are called to be who you are, the best version of you. Let this sink into your spirit, and let it give you the push you need to get back in the ring if you have tapped out of this round.

I love what Rocky Balboa tells his son in Rocky IV: “If you go one more round when you don’t think you can, that makes all the difference in your life.” Don’t think of the whole fight; that can get overwhelming for anyone. Think of the round you’re in right now. And if that is still too much, then focus on this hit, this punch, this step.

When I get overwhelmed, it helps me to take a step back, get some perspective, see this fight for what it is, and then get back in the ring. When you don’t give up, God shows up. He gives you what you need—Himself—for this round, and the next, and the one after that.

When you don't give up, God shows up.​

When dark thoughts come, when you feel like giving up, make a conscious choice to counter those lies with what God says, with His truth. Give yourself the opportunity to stay in the fight.

You are the only one who can make the choice that you’re going to fight to flourish. No one else can choose it for you. And the good news is you will win this match, because Jesus has already won the war. All you have to do is fight today. One day at a time. One round at a time. One punch at a time.


(Passage from Fight to Flourish by Jennie Lusko.)