Make Believe

"So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing." --1 Corinthians 9:26Read: 1 Corinthians 9

As I was leaving Gio's Boxing Gym in Burbank some time ago, amid the familiar cadence of speed bags and jump ropes, something a cornerman yelled to his boxer caught my attention. "Stop trying to look like a fighter and be a fighter!" he said. I literally stopped in my tracks. What a powerful statement. Just how powerful, I'd realize just moments later.

Walking toward my truck, I came upon a film crew about to shoot a documentary -- a boxing documentary, no doubt. Lights, cameras and make-up. I stood for what seemed like years and watched a make-up artist applying shades of purple, black and blue to an actor's face and under his eyes. Boxing gloves? Check. Legitimate shorts? Those too. But he wasn't dressed for - nor returning from - a real battle. "Stop trying to look like a fighter and be a fighter," ironically echoed in my head.

I wonder about my faith. And maybe you wonder about yours. Am I a make-believer in life? Or do I help make believers with my life? Like the verse above, I don't want to shadowbox. I want purpose. Give me somethin' to hit.

--Jimmy Peña

Question: In what area of your life, spiritually or physically, do you need to stand to fight? How can the Prayfit community pray for you? List your battles below or simply say, 'Unspoken.'

Jesus Lifted ME. Speaking of something to hit. Can you all pray for us as we prepare for our first PrayFit conference? It's right around the corner. I covet your prayers. Also, we've unveiled the conference tee. The shirt says it all. You can help support the effort by preordering yours. It's available only until the conference and ships immediately after. Thanks for your help.