Determination

In Ephesians 6 Paul speaks these words, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the enemy's plans…. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…."
One of the challenges that face the church today is the issue of being wimps, or weaklings. This verse challenges us that when we have done everything possible to stand our ground, then we stand our ground. It is an issue of determination. We have to be determined that we are going to stand our ground and win the next battle that comes our way. In Mark 2 there is a story of a paralyzed man who is taken by some of his friends to go see Jesus. When they get there the place is packed and they cannot get near Jesus. They could have said, "Oh well. We tried. I guess it wasn't meant to be." or "I guess you're not supposed to be healed." But that is not what they did. They were determined to see their friend healed. So they went up to the roof and cut a hole through it and lowered their friend down to Jesus where Jesus proceeded to heal the man. That was determination. Nobody said that being a Christian is easy. Some days, most days, it is hard work and takes great faith and determination.
There was a boxer on the late 1800's by the name of James J. Corbett. He became the heavyweight champion of the world. He was asked one time what the secret to his success was. He replied, "Fight one more round. When your feet are so tired that you have to shuffle back to the center of the ring, fight one more round." Today's fighters go at the most 12 rounds per fight. When I was a kid there were a few 15 round fights that I remember seeing. But I am going to tell you something that adds a little more weight to James Corbett's quote of "Fight one more round."
On May 21, 1891, Corbett fought Peter Black Prince Jackson, a bout between cross-town rivals, since Corbett and Jackson were boxing instructors at San Francisco's two most prestigious athletic clubs. They fought to a draw after 61 rounds. On September 7, 1892 at the Olympic Club in New Orleans, Louisiana, Corbett won the World Heavyweight Boxing Championship by knocking out John L. Sullivan in the 21st round. 
It's easy to fight when the battle is short. But if you are anything like me, you might have your own fight you are in and it feels like it is round 61. I am going to paraphrase the scripture and quote to close this post.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the enemy's plans.. When the fight comes, and it will, stand your ground! And after you have done everything to stand your ground, fight one more round!