What does it mean to be an Ultimate Fighter in life? It doesn’t mean that you are fearless. In fact, being an Ultimate Fighter means that I have the strength and courage to stand strong despite my fear. Here are seven reasons why it’s important to be an Ultimate Fighter.

So I can fully embrace life.

Fear can hold us back and keep us from experience the fullness of life that God has planned for us. Some days, just getting out of bed in the morning is an act of faith! To live faithfully is to live boldly, and that means stepping out to do some risky things. In John 10:10, Jesus said the reason He came is to give us real and eternal life, more and better than we ever dreamed of. Let’s face it, that’s where the fun is!

So I can be who God made me to be.

God created you uniquely, but fear will cause you to conform to the crowd and go with the flow. Courage is required to swim against the current and be yourself. God gave you a mind and talents he wants you to use. That’s how you bring glory to Him. You are one of a kind, made in God’s image. There’s only one you. If you aren’t you, who else is gonna be? Speak up with your thoughts and stand up for yourself. Remember, God is standing with you!

So I can make a difference.

Ultimate Fighters fight for the good of others. Let’s face it, there are a lot of things out there that need to be changed. Only people of courage have to power to do what it take to make a difference in the world.

So I can move forward in the face of fear.

Fear is an enemy that will stop people dead in their tracks if they’re not willing to face them head on. Ultimate Fighters face the same fears that everyone else faces, they are just not willing to let their fear paralyze them and hold them back from moving forward.

So I can do what is right.

The right thing to do usually is not the easiest thing. In fact, it may be the hardest thing. You have to stand against people who think that cutting corners or hurting others is the fast track to success. Doing what is right requires strength of character that is developed by exercising your conscience. But, you will never regret doing the right thing.

So I can overcome problems.

Problems are a natural part of life. But, they can be overcome with perseverance. We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” Sometimes, it just takes the fortitude to outlast the challenge.

So I can face the future.

We don’t know what the future holds. For many, the fear of what might happen can be overwhelming. However, we know that God holds the future in His hands. So we can remember what Paul writes in Romans 8:37-38, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.” No matter what challenges you may face in the future, you can know for sure that God’s love will still be there for you.

Whether or not you consider yourself an Ultimate Fighter in your life today, you can grow in your courage to be able to do all seven of these things. I want to invite you to be with us at The Connection Church this Easter Weekend as we kick-off our brand new message series where you will discover how to take the steps to become an “Ultimate Fighter!”