Fearlessly forward – Day 1

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao. This boxing match that took place on May 2, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada was described as “the fight of the century” by various news sources. With $300 million in prize money (almost R4 billion) at stake, it is understandable why this boxing match drew the world’s attention.

Leading up to the fight, several documentaries about both boxers were broadcast. With Mayweather’s record of almost fifty fights without defeat, an American sports commentator asked him in a prior interview if he was anxious about fighting Pacquiao as he also has a very good winning record. Without any hesitation, Mayweather replied: “I see Pacquiao as any other opponent. He remains merely an opponent. The moment I put a name or face to the opponent, it will affect me. So, just as with any of my previous fights, Pacquiao simply remains the opponent as I prepare for the fight.” Mayweather won the fight.

Mayweather’s words made me think of our daily battle on earth. In Ephesians 6 we read that we fight not against flesh and blood, but against the forces of evil in the air. The enemy walks around like a prowling lion, seeking ways to attack us. One of his main strategies is to use fear to paralyse us. This causes us to lose perspective. It steals our confidence and makes us passive as we forget how powerful God is and that nothing is impossible for Him.

At one point in David’s life, he had to flee daily from Saul and his men to stay alive. During this situation, he could have easily allowed fear to get him down, but he chose to place his trust in God — and view them as merely an opponent. In Psalm 118:5-6 he writes: “In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Also, in Psalm 91:7, we read: “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”

The enemy will always try to infiltrate your thoughts with fear. He wants you to put a face and name to your crisis — and not see it as merely an opponent that God can help you beat. What is your challenge today? A financial crisis? Threats of a divorce? A crisis with your child? Retrenchments at work? A deadly disease? Have you allowed fear to paralyse you or do you see the situation as merely an opponent ready to be defeated? God bless.