Life happens to all of us.

One minute we’re up. The next minute we’re down. If those two options don’t suit, we’re a mixture of sideways, upside down, or inside out.

Whatever the case life is unrelenting at times, barely allowing us to breathe.

If we are not careful about how we deal with life’s challenges, they will wear us down.

If we decide to ignore the signals they will beat us into submission and will surround us like the dark of night, despite the promise of a sky full of stars.

The same thing occurs when fear sneaks in through whatever door or window is left unsecured.

Fear begins to take root in our lives causing us to doubt our worth and leaves us second guessing more times than not.

Rocky 3 is the story of fear entering a champion’s life and causing him to nearly lose more than money or fame.

It is the story of Rocky losing sight of his identity – a champion!

In many ways, it is our story.

Rocky is challenged by a bruiser with a fitting name – Clubber Lang. He is provoked into fighting and loses, badly, thereby relinquishing the title of World Champion.

He begins to look back on the champion he once was instead of looking at the person he became.

Sound familiar?

He loses his edge.

He becomes complacent.

He is looking at life through the rear view mirror instead of checking the traffic ahead.

He makes the statement, “Nothing is real anymore if you don’t believe in who you are!”

In short, he loses perspective.

The voice of reason addresses him in the person of his wife, Adrian.  Take a moment to watch the clip below to soak in the context.

He listens, reluctantly at first, but he listens.

He finally acknowledges what is occurring and says, “I am afraid. For the first time in my life, I am afraid.”

It is the first step on his way back to recognizing and coming to terms with his identity.

Although there is nothing in the movie to suggest Rocky prayed to be freed from his fear of fighting once again, there is something inside of me that believes he did.

He may have whispered the prayer of the Psalmist, ” I prayed to the Lord and He answered me.  He freed me from all of my fears.”

He had to acknowledge his fears. Win or lose another fight he gains a larger victory.

When we look at the Rocky in our mirrors, much of the same could be said.

We all have fears.

They are dressed in the clothes of fears about our health.

They put a choke hold around our necks due to fears about not having enough money for one thing or another, let alone the future.

They come in many forms and keep us from becoming who we are intended to be.

Personally, they have gotten me in a corner or two and pounded me into oblivion – at least until I decided enough was enough!

I came to terms that I was made in the image of my creator. I acknowledged He has a plan for my life and His desire is to fulfill His purposes in me, if I will let Him.

Can I let you in on a little secret?

He thinks the same about you!

You are made in His image and He says this of you despite the voice of fear which may be shouting at you:

“For I know the plans I have for you…they are plans for good and not disaster to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

You can take that to the bank and cash the check!

For whatever it is worth, it’s OK for you to throw a few punches of your own and fight back when the fears which press in on you want to take over.

Allow me to repeat – it’s OK to fight back!

You have what it takes.

You have worth.

He wants you to see yourself through His eyes and His vision is NOT impaired!

What small step or two can you take to move away from fear and into the direction of the life you would like to live?