What it takes to win
Tuesday September 15
“I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:” 1Co 9:26 KJV
Whether it’s in the world of sports or the kingdom of God, all winners exhibit these five traits: (1) Self-awareness. Winners are honest about their strengths and weaknesses. The Bible says, “...for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee;...” (1Ch 28:9 KJV). In prayer you see yourself as you are. As you read God’s Word, you begin to see yourself as you can be. (2) Focus. Wherever you are today, be there—because that’s where God is. People who spend their lives “waiting for their ship to come in” are usually disappointed, or die on the pier. Winners live in the present moment. They refuse to be in one place while their mind is in another. (3) Confidence. Winners overcome anxiety by keeping their eyes on the goal. As they get closer, their confidence increases. Jude writes, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” (Jude v. 20 KJV). This is something you must do for yourself, and do daily through prayer and God’s Word. (4) Toughness. Winners sacrifice the present for the future. They’ve learned to say no to indulgence and yes to discipline, because to them the prize is worth the price. Paul writes: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1Co 9:27 KJV). (5) A game plan. Winners recognize that talent alone isn’t enough; you need a plan to live by. So, have you discovered God’s plan for your life? Are you living by it? If not, talk to Him about it today. It’s one of the most important conversations you will ever have.
