Most of my Tuesdays are spent studying for both the upcoming Sunday sermon and the men’s class I lead on Wednesday evenings. After wrapping up my sermon prep, I shift gears to work on the men’s lesson. We’re currently going through a BetterMan series on courageously following God’s Word. As I read through the material written by BetterMan CEO Chris Harper, one quote caught my attention and got the gears turning in my head:
“You can map out a fight plan or a life plan, but when the action starts, you’re down to your reflexes—that’s where your road work shows. If you cheated on that in the dark of the morning, you’re getting found out now, under the bright lights.”
— Joe Frazier
Frazier was before my time, but his words reminded me of another boxer who dominated headlines during my childhood—Mike Tyson. He famously summed up the same idea in a simpler way:
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
— Mike Tyson
Doesn’t life feel like that sometimes? Everything’s going smoothly and then—BAM!—you get the right hook of life!!
Think of Joseph, betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Or Moses, overwhelmed by the constant complaints of God’s people, striking the rock in anger. Or David, a leader after God’s own heart, caught off guard by temptation while standing on a rooftop. Even Paul experienced the sting of disappointment and division when he and Barnabas parted ways in the early days of their missionary journeys.
Whether it’s temptation or trial, life will punch you in the mouth. We can plan and prepare, but when the upper cut comes, our reflexes take over. And the question then becomes: How do you respond in that moment?
Frazier’s quote speaks to athletic preparation—cardio, sparring, weight training. But as followers of Jesus, what kind of “road work” are we putting in when no one else is watching? Are we training our hearts in the quiet of the morning, when it’s just us and God’s Word? Because that’s where the spiritual reflexes are formed. So, what’s your plan?
Paul encouraged Timothy with these words:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV)
Our reflexes are built in those early moments of the day when we open the Scriptures and meet with God. It takes commitment and discipline, especially when we don’t feel like doing it. But just as the boxer laces up his gloves before sunrise, so the Christian must daily draw in the life-giving breath of God’s Word.
And just as a boxer improves by sparring with others, we grow when we share and apply the truths of Scripture in community. We can’t expect to grasp the full richness of God’s Word alone. We sharpen one another, just as iron sharpens iron.
So the question remains: How are you getting into fighting shape?
When temptation slithers in… When discouragement knocks on the door… When life lands a punch… Will you be ready?
North Bullitt Christian Church 