Championship Reflections (& A Give-Away)

State basketball...something I dreamed about as a child and worked towards as an athlete and a coach. This past week, I had the joy of following a local team chase down their dream. With 3 starters from our church, we didn't just jump on the bandwagon, but have watched the team and players work all season and summer long. There's been something special about this group and their undefeated, dominating championship season is a dream come true.

It was a joy to watch them play a game I've always loved...they worked together, set aside personal goals for team success and enjoyed the game they played so well. They were a fun group to follow and an easy team to cheer for!

Spiritually there are so many lessons we can pull from their season...they didn't give up when adversity came, they didn't let pride take over, and they worked together to achieve their success. I could go on and on, but one thing that struck me as I reflected on their championship is this: their journey was unique.

As one who's only stepped onto the floor of Wells Fargo Arena as a fan, I know this dream doesn't come true very often. As a mom to girls who wonder if and dream about playing on that court, I realize disappointment is more likely than joy. Only 5 teams in our state ended their season with a win. The other 349 finished the year with a loss, and tears.

For competitive athletes this can be a motivating challenge and sometimes a tough reality. We always want to strive for success, but we must remember there are lessons in the loss. The joy we felt and celebrating we did for our local champs was fun and exciting, but at the same time my heart hurts for those who came close, were injured or set the records we don't want to talk about...most losses in a season.

I have to believe these feelings of excitement and disappointment are good; in Romans 12:15 the Bible tells us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." In sports there are always wins and losses...not always on the scoreboard, but sometimes in attitude, effort and personal performance. Life is full of highs and lows, good times and bad. As fans, coaches, parents and teammates we need to come alongside one another at all times. Our unity makes the success sweeter and the burdens more bearable.

I'm guessing a newly crowned champion feels on top of the world, in that moment all is well, they are elated, the hard work has paid off, goals have been reached. They are rejoicing, but the thing is the feeling will fade, reality will return, the trials left at home for the week still exist. This rejoicing is temporary.

In the same way, for the teams that lost one day they'll look back and realize the value in their season. The discouragement will fade and relationships remain. Lessons will be learned and motivation will result. A new reason to rejoice, but yet not the ultimate one.

So, the perspective seeker in me wants to share a verse our pastor mentioned on Sunday - Luke 10:20 says, "However do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." 

These words sum up my most important championship reflection. Growing up I was obsessed with basketball; the game truly was the god of my life. Following our final loss, I was quite depressed and discouraged. All I'd strived for was gone and for awhile my hope was too. Thankfully, God worked, drew me to Himself and showed me there was so much more.

Saturday I had tears of joy for the players, coaches and fans as they hoisted the championship trophy, but there were a few for me too. I was so happy they reached their goal and experienced a dream come true and I appreciated the effort they put in and the way they played the game. At the same time I was so thankful that I was at a place where I know that's not what life is truly all about.

The only victory that ultimately matters is the one Jesus won. No trophy will last forever, but I will live eternally. My name isn't in the record book, but it is written in heaven. How about yours?

Friend, I don't know if you've ever won a championship or are feeling like your life is one long losing streak, but I do know you can have a reason to rejoice. If you've accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, you are victorious! As life unfolds there will be "wins and losses," but God is good, He has a plan and loves you always!

Today I'm giving away a copy of my friend, Wendy Blight's "I Am Loved" Bible study that will help you learn more about God's love and the reason you have to rejoice. Wendy's stories will encourage and God's Word will equip. It's a playbook for a life that comes with a guaranteed championship!

If you are where I once was and find yourself empty after worldly success and defeated following daily defeats, this study will point you to Jesus and lead you to the One who never fails. If you already rejoice because your name is written in the book of life, this book will help you defend your faith and point you to scriptures that teach you more about the love of God. Either way it's a win!!

I invite you to leave a comment to be entered; how about sharing your thoughts on one of these questions - "Have you ever won a championship? How did it make you feel? Have you won the eternal championship? What role does that eternal victory play in the daily defeats of life?" And if time is short, simply leave your name and you'll be entered too! Thank you friends, I look forward to hearing from each of you! And know the winner will be blessed with Wendy's new study! If you don't win or want to order today, you can do so HERE. Until then, let me pray for you...

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord thank you for winning the ultimate victory. Thank you for making the greatest sacrifice. Thank you for teaching me and now reminding me of what is truly important. As I walk through the wins and losses of life, help me do so with you and for you. In the good and bad, may I remember that you are working for my good. Help me press on towards the prize for which you have called me. May I fight to the finish. Like the champion Cadets, may I work together with those you put around me, may I not give up when life is hard and may I humble myself and let you do the exalting. Father God, you are sovereign...over life and death, over wins and losses, over it all. I'm grateful you know best and trust you with all that is to come. In Jesus' Name, Amen.