(It’s WrestleWeek on POP GOD! In celebration of WrestleMania 32 this Sunday we’ll be looking at the intersection of faith and wrestling. You don’t have to be a fan to hop in the ring on this journey. Read on to see how this fake sport provides real lessons for anyone who’s ever grappled with God.)

The momentum in a wrestling match can swing in an instant.

All it takes is one right move or one reversal to bring a competitor back from the brink of defeat to a momentous victory.

Sometimes though a wrestler is so exhausted they can’t fight anymore. Their only hope comes from a run-in.

A run-in is that classic wrestling trope that occurs when the referee suddenly becomes distracted by some sort of action outside the ring or knocked out by an errant blow.

While the ref is oblivious or unconscious the theme music hits for one of the underdog’s friends who comes running in to save the day.

The best example of a heroic run-in comes from January 1999 when Mankind was facing The Rock for the WWE Championship. The Rock was pulling out all the stops to defeat the underdog Mankind, including getting interference from his corrupt Corporation.

Just when it looked like all hope was lost for Mankind the familiar sound of glass shattering echoed through the arena. The crowd exploded as Stone Cold Steve Austin sauntered his way to the ring and helped Mankind defeat the odds to become champion

A win is a win in pro wrestling, whether it comes from the help of a run-in or not. There’s no shame in receiving the help of a powerful friend when you have nothing left to add to the fight.

For the rest of mankind there comes a time when all hope seems lost in our matchup. We’ve given all that we have in the battle. Yet it seems our enemy keeps pulling out all the stops to keep us down.

We will lose the fight on our own. Just when it looks the bell is about to ring there comes a run-in from up above:

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91: 14-16

God tells us when we align with Him we can count on Him to show up when we need Him most. When we call His name He will hear. He will answer. He will come running to the rescue.

God never claims to offer us a life free from conflict. Instead He promises to provide to us the most epic run-in of all time to give us victory over the fight.

Then, when our fighting career is over, we’ll reap the rewards of the ultimate championship reign forever with Him.

So when the enemy hits you with a finisher and you don’t think you can kick out on your own don’t lose faith. Be patient and wait for God’s run-in. 

Come back this week for more posts celebrating the presence of God in pro wrestling and subscribe to Pop God Blog to get every post delivered straight to your inbox!