Who is In Your Corner?

Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Who is in your corner? In boxing the corner man/cut man is just as important as the boxer’s training. With young fighters the corner man, the cut man, and the coach/trainer are often the same person doing three different jobs. The corner man is physical support for a fighter before and during a fight. The cut man is responsible for preventing and treating physical damage to a fighter during breaks of full contact sports. The trainer works with the boxer daily and prepares him mentally and physically for the fight. Therefore, whoever is in a boxer’s corner is very important, and having the right person can determine the fight outcome regardless of a boxer’s talent. Constantine (Cus) D’Amato was one of the best in the boxing world. He was the trainer for Mike Tyson and two other boxers, all who are currently in the National Boxing Hall of Fame.
At about age 14, Mike Tyson, a troubled teen went to live with D’Amato after being released from a juvenile detention facility. D’Amato trained, mentored, and was a father to Tyson. Tyson’s troubled life began to change with D’Amato in his corner and he was on his way to being a champion in life and the ring. At age 18, with D’Amato in his corner Tyson won 26 of his 28 fights by KO (knockout) or TKO (technical knockout). Moreover, at the tender age of 19, with D’Amato in his corner, he was on his way to becoming the youngest Heavyweight Champion of the world. Sadly, before Tyson turned 20, before he won the title making him the youngest heavyweight champion of the world, D’Amato died leaving a big void in Tyson’s life. Although, Tyson continued to win fights in the ring without his corner man he began to lose fights in life.

As believers, we are fortunate to have the best corner man, the best cut man, and the best trainer in the business in our corner. His training regimen is impeccable. Moreover, He has provided His fighters with a training manual that is always current and can be passed down from fighter to fighter without updates. When we live life according to His word, we cannot lose. D’Amato called out numbers so Tyson knew what punches to throw in his fights. The Lord throws out numbers to us in our fights also; they are the scriptures. For this training to work, we must be active participants. 2Timothy 2:15, says we must study to show ourselves approved (daily training). 1Thessalonians 5:16, tells us to pray without ceasing (daily training). As you see, this means daily training. Moreover, we never have to worry about our trainer leaving us or not having time for us. He is always available to us and won’t break the contract He has with us. We can go into the ring boldly and confidently because we are well trained. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. How can we lose with such a great corner man? Furthermore, when we face that fighter who seems bigger, faster, or better our trainer (the Lord) steps in the ring and reminds us to cast all our cares/concerns on Him (1Peter 5:7). As a result, we have no reason to fear. Who is in your corner? Who is training you? Who is your cut man? Who is tending to your battle wounds? Having the top corner man, the top cut man, the top trainer in your corner will change the outcome of your battles.

Prayer: Lord, thank you being in our corner. Thank you for teaching us to fight the good fight Your way. Thank you for healing our wounds. Many times, we forget the techniques that you have taught us but You are faithful and patient with us. You are the best trainer there is. Thank you for choosing to train me. Thank you, Lord for Your Son, Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. In Jesus name, Amen.

(by Pat Towns)