For sports fans this is an exciting time of year.
The World Series has me praying a lot more than usual and you who know me can guess why. The National Football season, college and the National Basketball games are underway. . .and each time hoping for a championship trophy.
It is not easy to become a champion. . .it takes determination. . .practice. . .exercise. . .disciple and, yes. . .commitment to never give up, give in, back up, back down, sit down, quit or walk away until victory is achieved.
God has given each of us the heart of a champion far beyond the field of athletic endeavor.
Much like an earthly father who wants his children to be champions in whatever they undertake. . .our Heavenly Father desires for you and I. . .His children to win in the game of life.
We always refer to Jesus as a conqueror. . .one who conquered death, hell and the grave. . .yet we never call him a champion.
Throughout history, conquerors are those who went to war where there was the spilling of blood.
That’s why Jesus was and is a conqueror. . .He spilled blood. . .overcame demonic opposition to become a champion for our salvation.
In order for us to be conquerors. . .we must first champions in the areas of our lives where we’ve been given a vision, a goal, a dream or a calling.
We must prevail. . .as champions over the areas where we’ve been given stewardship.
There are seven characteristics of a champion.