Is Truth Your Trainer in the Boxing Ring of Doubt?

Last updated on: August 17, 2023 at 12:28 pm by Faith E. Richardson

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Is Truth Your Trainer in the Boxing Ring of Doubt? 2023-08-17T12:28:36-06:00 Faith E. Richardson

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Punching bag in the Boxing Ring of doubt.

Remember you can tag in for help! Faith Richardson/Photographer

How many rounds will it take for me to finally realize I AM God’s messenger? Why do I just sit back and take the punches until it gets so bad, I have to stand up swinging just to dodge the next blow? I know each punch represents a lie The Deceiver tells me, and I believe it about myself or my abilities. And even though Truth sits directly in front of me I still allow Deception to enter the ring of doubt.

Round one: The bell rings and I put my hands up to block Deception’s blows. The hits sway me a little. Sometimes so much that I’m a little dizzy for a time. I shake it off thinking it was only that one time and so I lower my defenses only to be side-swiped from an out-of-control left hook from Deception’s red glove. Where did that come from?

Watch Out for Greed and Pride

Eyes out of focus, I stumble to the ropes hoping for some stability, but Greed and Pride sneak up, throw me to the opposite side of the ring then close-line me in the ricochet, slamming me to the mat. I slowly raise my head and see Truth waiting patiently for me to remember His words – “I will send a Helper.” Shame blocks my view and I lose my focus.

I crawl up onto my hands and knees assessing my position and wonder if I should just throw in the towel, but I get a second wind. Standing slowly staring face to face now with Failure, Deception tagged him in. I swing and miss. He laughs.

Inadequate, with his smug little grin leans in the corner watching, encouraging Failure. Stealthily smiling, Failure raises his gloves ready for more impact. Ding. I am saved by the bell. I can feel Truth’s stare boring into my soul, but Shame hands me a towel of self-loathing and redirects my attention back to Failure.

Keep a Close Eye on Panic and Fear

I return to my corner and sit on the bench of disappointment where Panic and Fear have a front-row seat jeering ecstatically in my direction. I can actually feel their breath and spittle on my skin. I take a deep breath trying hard to ignore them when I see Truth out of the corner of my eye. He has never taken His eyes off me. He tilts His head to the right showing me I can tag in for help too. Shame, again, blocks my view and I am reminded of Failure’s strength.

Round two: Ding. I stand and raise my gloves not at all knowing what the outcome will be, but then, I remember, “With God, all things are possible” and I turn my eyes toward Truth who is now standing with a radiant smile so bright Failure has to shield his face. Empowered by Truth’s presence I remember, “In my weakness, He is strong” and take the moment to get out of Truth’s way, and I tag in for help.

Lock Eyes with Truth

Suddenly, the gloves are off; this is ridiculous! With Truth as my cheerleader, confidant, and trainer I yell, “Let’s end this once and for all!” No holds barred, I thrust myself in Failure’s direction. Elbow to the cheek. Knee to the nose. Pow! Bam! Crash! Head-lock and slam to the mat. 3,2,1…Failure will not defeat me.

With Truth by my side, my hands are lifted high in triumph. I dance around the ring with new confidence. Today, I focused on Truth – not Deception’s lies and took Failure to the mat with intention.

Tomorrow, I will still have to come face to face with Failure again. But now that I am training under Truth, I will be more prepared for Failure’s best friend, Deception. The next time I find myself standing in Doubt’s boxing ring, I will be wearing my new gloves – Holy and Spirit who I can call on to tag in at any time.

Watch out, Deceiver. Watch out!

*Previously posted on my website @ faitherichardson.com https://faitherichardson.com/?p=494

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About Faith E. Richardson

Faith E. Richardson was born in Traverse City, Michigan. She lived there nine short years before moving with her mom to Fort Worth, Texas where she would remain for another eighteen years. After meeting Trent, the love of her life, they married and moved to Colorado where they raised their two children. Currently retired from decades of human resource work, Faith renewed her passion for writing. Her life experiences and dramatic flair for storytelling draw the reader in with thought-provoking material on the wonder and truth of spiritual encounters. It's her desire to get her readers as excited about the Holy Spirit as she is. You can read more about the author here.

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