Life can be viscous and unfortunately when we get knocked down so does a piece of our faith. The stench of fear and defeat permeates our spirit and we start to doubt what we believe. Getting up and fighting back after a knock down isn’t always easy and sometimes it feels darn near impossible, but never mistake a knock down as a sign of weakness, rather it’s evidence of your humanity. There are several men and women in the Bible that were knocked down but later got back up to fight the good of faith (I Tim 6:12).

Oftentimes our lives takes a hard tilt, and the effects are tantamount to being thrown face down to the ground. The circumstance is devastating, the pain excruciating. Try as we might, in that moment it is difficult to grab hold of any semblance of joy or hope.

The apostle Paul wrote, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck [knocked] down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). We rejoice that, because of Christ, we are not crushed, despairing, forsaken, or destroyed.

Peter sharply drives home this reality as well when he says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). The ordeal is fiery, and it does come upon you. It packs a knockout punch.

Whenever a boxer is delivered a hard blow that knocks him to the floor, the people in his corner shout, “Get up! Get up!” While his opponent stands on the ropes celebrating, thinking the fight is over. In that moment, the down boxer starts to mentally scroll through all he’s been through up until that point, and all the people who love and motivate him. Like a jolt, he’s up before the count of ten — and is back in the fight.

My brothers and sisters the enemy’s goal is to devour (1 Peter 5:8), but the Lord’s goal is to grow us in faith, trust, and endurance.

If I am speaking to you, I know that you’re not in an actual boxing ring, but perhaps life has delivered you a massive blow to your jaw. Maybe people you thought were friends stabbed you in the back. Maybe your marriage or job have been in trouble. Maybe people you trusted have talked about you badly. Maybe you’re hurt and disappointed because something didn’t go your way. Maybe you’ve been hurt by situations beyond your control. Maybe your life is currently filled with pain and regret.

Well, if you have been adversely impacted by any of the things listed above, I want to encourage to get up and fight back. Your story isn’t over and it’s not time for you to throw in the towel. God has more work for you to do and before you leave this planet you fulfill the purpose God birthed in your belly even before you were conceived in your mother’s womb!

Get up!! Get up!! Get up!! It’s time for you to fight back and never forget, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in this world (I John 4:4).”