You are not exempted

Contrary to belief, being a Christian does not mean that your life will be free from temptation, illness, grief, sin or defeat.

A classic example to this is Manny Pacquiao. He is well known boxer. Manny is not just a self-proclaimed Christian. You would know that he is a follower of Christ when he decided to change his life, straighten his ways. Admitting on national television that he was a gambler and a womanizer before he knew Christ was tough but he did it by God’s grace. I was never a fan until he surrendered his life to the Lord.

Last week was his greatest fight ever in his boxing career. Every Filipino (or most of the Filipinos) wanted him to win. I even prayed that he win and that his win may bring glory to God.

After 12 rounds of bout, there was a unanimous decision – Mayweather won. A lot of hearts were broken but Manny, being the good follower of Christ, did not lose heart. Instead, he accepted defeat.

This is what Christianity, I think, is all about. You get tempted, you fight back. You fall down, you stand up again. I still have a lot of fighting back and standing up to do but I know that in Christ, I will never be defeated.

James 1:3 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

What a wonderful reminder that all that we face in this world is only temporary. All are being used to perfect us so that by the time comes that we face our Creator, we will ultimately be ready.