When You Want to Throw in the Towel

“Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.” — 1 Peter 4:16 (NRSVUE)

Have you heard the expression “throw in the towel?” I haven’t watched much boxing since Muhammad Ali's days in the ring, but I still remember the terminology. In boxing, when a fighter can’t continue — and to be clear, that was never Muhammad Ali’s story — their corner throws the towel into the ring to stop the match. It’s a sign that the boxer has taken too many hits to safely go on.

Sometimes in our Christian life, we may feel like that boxer who has been pummeled. We are reeling against the ropes, exhausted and battered. Satan has no compassion, only punishment; he wants to see us go down. 

And here’s the cold, hard truth: the enemy doesn’t waste much energy on those who are already drifting away. The pressure often increases precisely because we are trying to follow Christ. The blows feel heavier, not because we’re failing, but because we’re moving in the right direction.

To be honest, at times we may feel tempted to quit and desperately want to throw in the towel. But then we remember that God is always in our corner — steady and compassionate. When we feel weak and discouraged, he wraps us in his tender, loving arms and gives us the strength and courage to continue. We are never alone in the ring.

We aren’t fighting for an earthly title or championship belt, but for the glory of God. The Apostle Peter goes on to say that our witness serves a purpose (4:18): “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?” We should not feel disgraced when we suffer, for even our struggles can become a testimony to God’s sustaining grace: “Look at what God has brought me through.”

Precious Lord, we give you thanks for your love and compassion. When we feel defeated, you are there to strengthen us and provide the courage to carry on. We confess we don’t like the suffering, and we don’t always understand it, but we offer our lives as a witness even in the struggle. Let our testimonies of your glory be known to others, that they may come to find you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Tim