How Winning is Done

No one sets out to fail in life. We all want to win. All of us have an inherent desire to rise above our challenges—to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. We live in pursuit of success. We cheer others on toward success because, somehow, their ability to endure unbelievable odds inspires us with the hope that we can also be successful. And yet, all too often, we find ourselves battered by adversity and wounded by failure—beaten down by the world and everything arrayed against us.

No other movie icon illustrates this better than the Italian Stallion. Rocky Balboa lives in our hearts as the ultimate underdog. When we first meet Rocky, he’s a man battling with his own self-worth. To everyone else, he’s a nobody. A bum. A guy with no future and no prospects. That is, until he’s given the unique opportunity to go toe-to-toe with the heavyweight champion of the world. Rocky loses the match in a split decision, but in his heart, he knows he’s a winner because he was able to prove to himself and everyone else that he wasn’t a bum. He’s the guy who went the distance with the champ.

Throughout the series, Rocky continues to face all kinds of challenges. He’s lured into a rematch with Apollo. He nearly loses his wife, Adrian, when she gives birth to their first child. Rocky finally experiences victory in his second bout with Apollo but quickly succumbs to the lure of complacency that comes with success. This not only costs him the title but also leads to the death of his trainer, Mickey. This tremendous loss cultivates a fear in him that renders him powerless. Apollo and Adrian ultimately inspire him to face that fear and take back what was rightfully his. But even retaking the title doesn’t stop him from losing his best friend and, eventually, his wife. And in the face of yet another challenge, he even loses the respect of his son.

And it’s here where Rocky beautifully vocalizes the true measure of his success:

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that, and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!”

Rocky Balboa

Rocky teaches us that winning is done when we resist the urge to give up. It’s through perseverance that we discover what we’re truly capable of. In fact, the only real way to guarantee our failure is when we give up.

Scriptural Comparison

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all. – Psalms 34:19

As followers of Christ, we have the added benefit of being justified by faith. We are made righteous. Not by anything we’ve done but by the finished work of Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection. We can get back up because He got back up. We can keep moving forward because He empowers us to keep moving forward. Instead of blaming our misfortunes on others, we should own our mistakes and bring them before God in repentance. He is gracious and merciful, and He will deliver you out of any and everything this world throws your way.

Don’t allow the enemy to keep you up against the ropes or down on the canvas. Get back up and keep fighting as you make your stand in the power of His might. Your victory is guaranteed.

Practical Application

So how exactly can you apply this knowledge in your own life?

• First, align yourself with the truth that God is for you and not against you. (Romans 8:31)
• Secondly, recognize that your adverse circumstances are designed to build perseverance. (James 1:2-4)
• Finally, resolve not to rely on your own strength but on the might and power of God. He is the only one who can help you go the distance. (Ephesians 6:10)

The true measure of success is perseverance. Rocky Balboa learned how to adhere to this principle inside and outside of the ring. He let it govern every aspect of his life. God will use adversity and trials to build the kind of endurance and perseverance that transcends mere willpower. Look at every circumstance as an opportunity to exercise perseverance and allow Him to enable you to stand.

Until next time!

Rene Hinojosa