A Champion’s Testimony

The stunning second round knockout of British boxing champion Ricky Hatton in the hands of Filipino pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao is destined to become a stuff of boxing legend. I’ve devoured stories about the bout from all corners of world and each writer had his/her viewpoint of Pacman’s amazing win.

One commentary by Kevin Garside of the New Zealand Herald had a paragraph that struck me: “The honor of coming in last (to the ring) was Pacquiao’s. There was none of Hatton’s wired, edgy demeanor. Pacquiao smiled, his behavior all the more menacing for its inscrutability. Nerves had no hold over him. He was doused in a surreal calm as if fulfilling an end foretold. The sense of that increased ten-fold when he bent against the ring post in prayer.”

Pacquiao’s prayerfulness was a testimony to the audience in Las Vegas and viewers the world over that there was a Higher Being he sought strength from. As there were seconds of silence when Hatton was lying unconscious on the floor; so was there a moment of reverence as Pacquiao prayed prior to the bout, amidst the excitement and suspense. With the fight over; Pacquiao went to his corner and in gratitude, knelt; thanking God for the victory.  When promoter Bob Arum was interviewed, proclaiming the greatness of the Filipino pugilist, Pacquiao butted in acknowledging the Almighty for the feat he had achieved.

Each one of us is tasked to testify about our faith. “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15) We can do so not just in words, but more importantly in our actions. “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16) We may not know it, but by doing so, we will have touched the heart of one individual or souls of a million. “Your unbelieving neighbors…will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God.” (1 Peter 2:12)  By our testimony, we can knock Satan out of the souls of sinners and unbelievers: a triumph deservingly for God.

by Mel Libre