Guaranteed Victory

 On June 16, 1983, Luis Resto faced “Irish” Billy Collins in a ten round welterweight boxing match at Madison Square Garden in New York. Billy was the favorite to win. By round three, Billy told his cornerman, “He’s a lot stronger than I thought.” By round ten, Billy’s face had doubled in size, his brow pressing down on his eyes as it throbbed. By unanimous decision, Luis Resto was declared the victor. Billy’s father happened to shake Resto’s still gloved hand immediately following the fight, and exclaimed, “COMMISSIONER! THESE GLOVES!” Upon investigation, it was discovered that about one ounce of padding had been removed from the gloves, making the fight unfairly weighted in Resto’s favor. Resto was suspended indefinitely and served 2 ½ years in prison for the offense. Twenty four years later he confessed that not only was the padding removed, but his hand wraps had been soaked in plaster of Paris prior to the fight, hardening them like rocks. “Irish” Billy Collins’ eyes were permanently injured, and he was never able to fight again. He died in an auto accident about one year later, but his family reported that his spirit was broken the moment he realized his boxing career was over. He had lost his reason for living.

No one knows how that fight would have played out if it had been fairly fought, but one thing is certain: Billy was already beaten when he stepped into the ring that night. His opponent faced him with overwhelming and unsportsmanlike advantage, and no path to victory existed.

Faithful Christianity is presented in the Scriptures as a fight (2 Tim. 4:7). Although Christians sometimes feel outmaneuvered by the desires that tempt them, God assures a way of escape so that the fight can be won (1 Cor. 10:13) and provides armor to protect against the attacks of the opponent (Eph. 6:10-11). A Christian who ignores the advantages given by God stands no chance to win against the devil and will be overwhelmed by sin and the guilt which accompanies it.

Do not let yourself become enveloped in darkness and death, stand in the light and let God protect and forgive you (1 John 1:7-9). He will be your reason for living (Phil. 1:21). No matter the temptations you face, He will assure victory for you (1 Cor. 15:55-58). Stand firm in the Lord, knowing that true defeat will never come to you and that even death is conquered through the power of Jesus Christ.