Fight

In 1st Corinthians 9, we can read about the importance of spiritual determination:
25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

We have resources and abilities, but we run the risk of those becoming dormant or underutilized if we do not possess the proper attitude, and that is influenced and developed through the absorption and application of God's Word.  We can be renewed in our minds and can train ourselves to be sharp spiritually. God has a purpose for us, and has given us what we need in order to fulfill what He has called us to do and to overcome the challenges we may encounter.

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While the enemy would want us to feel worthless and insignificant, we know that in the Kingdom of God, that no one is expendable. We are part of His body, and in Romans 12, Paul writes:
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them...

Arthur Johnson is a former world flyweight boxing champion - born in the rough and tumble world of East St. Louis, he acquired a sense of toughness that led to his development as a champion boxer and kept him out of trouble, according to CBN.com.

The story relates concerning his upbringing in what a 2018 study said was the country's "most dangerous city:"

Unlike some of the other kids, it helped him resist the pull of drugs and violence with a dream to chase success beyond the city limits. He uncovered a pathway the first time he saw a televised boxing match.

"I would imitate the broadcasters and say, 'There goes Arthur!'" Johnson recalled, motioning a right hook with his fist. "He lands a right hand. Another right hand by Johnson!"

"It was something that I think, without question, God put in my heart before I could really even recognize that I was going to maybe be a fighter," he added.

He was 10 years old when he first started to box at a club he joined; he was always on the small side, but apparently what he lacked in size he made up for in quickness. A friend said, "He was a little guy with thunder in both hands...112 pounds: that's not a lot of weight, but, man, his power was exceptional for that weight class."

Johnson's boxing career was stellar, with a total of 12 titles, which is a record. The article relates: "He also became the first American to win gold at the inaugural Good Will Games in Moscow in 1986. Yet, one of Johnson's most defining career moments was representing the United States at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea."

But there was another fight to come.  In 2008, he was diagnosed with cancer - he was given only a few months to live. Five years later, though, he had defeated yet another opponent.  CBN says:

His health declined, but Johnson, his wife, and their children leaned on their faith in God and support from their church, Faith Family Church, in Shiloh, Illinois. LaTanya also reminded her husband of the fighter within.

"When he was laying in that bed in the hospital, the only thing I could say is, 'Babe, we gotta pull the gloves out one more time,'" she said. "This is going to be our biggest battle. This is going to be our biggest fight."

Now, he's fighting back against some of the factors that hold young people back. He started the Arthur Johnson Foundation, which has a mission "to rebuild East St. Louis by focusing on making a positive impression on youth," according to CBN.  He also has a gym called the Flash Boxing and Activity Center, where, according to the article, Johnson teaches his students the lessons he learned both inside and outside of the ring.

Over 10 years ago, the Herald-Whig newspaper of Quincy, IL ran a feature story on Johnson.  It said:

Johnson, who was once managed by Angelo Dundee and promoted by Don King, said it has always been a strong Christian faith that carried him in the darkest of times. And that faith was instilled in him by his mom, the late Estella Johnson, who as a single mom raised 10 kids in those same East St. Louis projects.

"My mother was my mentor, she was a strong witness," Johnson said.

About 10 years ago, Johnson, who is also an accomplished Gospel singer and songwriter, began gathering film and putting together information for a documentary about his own life. He wanted it to serve as an inspiration. Production officially started in 2006 and earlier this year "The Greatest Comeback" became a finished product on DVD.

Well, that greatest comeback had nothing to do with boxing, but it did reflect an inner toughness that Johnson had possessed from his childhood.  When we struggle, we know there is someone who gives us inner fortitude and determination to walk through it.   God gives us powerful resources, including the power of the Holy Spirit, perhaps the support of family and friends, and a church family who will come around us when we endure tough times.  Johnson can help us to recognize how much we need God and need each other.

Arthur "Flash" Johnson can also help us to think about our need to develop the skills, or the gifts, that God has given to us.  We can acknowledge that we have certain abilities, but those are not intended to lie dormant; we can allow His power to flow through us and to be diligent to use what He has given for His glory.  

Johnson also teaches us the importance of giving back - he is an active part of his troubled community and is addressing needs that he observes.  There are opportunities that we will encounter, given to us by God, divine appointments, that can make a profound impact.