"Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:26-27)
Sometimes we are fighting "the good fight" (2 Timothy 4:7) and we still feel defeated. At such times, recall to mind that Jesus is minimally...
...improving character.
...transforming a self-asserting human into a surrendered child.
...teaching you how to lean on His invisible support.
...showing you a Guide in the darkness.
...causing you to hear what other men and women cannot hear.
...planting your soul more firmly on Himself.
All we have to do when we feel defeated is to lift up our heads and look at Jesus. One is never weakened, and always strengthened, by looking at Jesus. Given a high enough view, the fight will be like a little cloud, and it will pass quickly. The triumph of a believer is finally so complete that we become aware of having escaped defeat and destruction; destroyed the enemies of our soul; and carried off plunder so valuable that when we look back at our battles, we give thanks. With Jesus, this triumph happens temporally (already) and eternally (not yet).
