I loved the Rocky movies. I remember watching the original Rocky. I was in Knoxville, Tennessee to run in the Volunteer Indoor Relays. Believe it or not, I once ran the 300m Intermediate Hurdles. I know, right?
Okay, back to the story. By the time Rocky IV came out, folks were done with the movie franchise. But for me, no way! In one scene in the movie, Rocky is talking to his wife Adrian about fighting Ivan Drago, the massive, powerful Russian boxer. The following is from the original script:
Adrian:
It’s suicide. You’ve seen him, and you know how strong he is. You can’t win.
Rocky:
Oh, Adrian. Adrian always tells the truth. No, maybe I can’t win. Maybe the only thing I can do is just take everything he’s got. But to beat me, he’s going to have to kill me. And to kill me, he’s gonna have to have the heart to stand in front of me. And to do that, he’s got to be willing to die himself. I don’t know if he’s ready to do that. I don’t know.
You can’t win! I’ve said it in the mirror, haven’t you? But I want you to HEAR ME!
Yes, you can! You can win! When I need the strength to keep going, the best place to which I know to turn is the Word of the Divine. I thought you might want to be encouraged as well- through these 12 scriptures for when you feel like giving up.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10
The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7
I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only. Psalm 71:16
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. I Corinthians 9:24
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
II Timothy 1:7
It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32
Keep going, keep running, keep moving, keep praying. If you feel like you are at the end of your rope, grab hold of these twelve verses and know that the Divine treasures you. You are loved, you are an image bearer of the Most High God!
Stay Cool,
Chuck
