1 Corinthians 15:57 says God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Matt’s Little League team lost an important game today and he was angry and disappointed. His mother, always the encourager, said, “I know you’re upset, sweetheart, but you played like a winner today.” Mat shrugged his shoulders and tried not to cry. “But we didn’t win,” he scowled, “we lost.”
Dad stood in the doorway watching his son with tender eyes. He remembered how hard it was to be a child. He remembered how easily everything in life could become a win or lose proposition. He knew it never felt good to lose, but he also knew that winning brought its own unique set of responsibilities and challenges.
“Son, are you and your teammates losers just because the other team scored more points?” Matt frowned. He didn’t like the word loser.
“I can tell you how you can keep from losing ever again.” Matt brightened.
“Don’t play. In competitive games, someone has to win and someone has to lose. Those are the rules.” Matt hadn’t thought of it that way. “Winning is nice and you’ll win many times as long as you play the game. You’ll also have to lose occasionally. It may not seem like it now, but being a winner is much more important.”
Matt didn’t know there was a difference between winning and being a winner so Dad explained. “Winning simply means getting the best score this time. Winners on the other hand enjoy playing, are team players, encourage each other, and always play fair. They control their language and their temper and also take care of their bodies. Winners know how to lose without being losers. I watched you play today, son. You are a winner no matter what the scoreboard said and I’m very proud of you.”
Father in heaven, we want to make you proud of us by the way we handle our wins and losses in life. Thank you for making us Winners through Christ, Amen.
Sandra Milholland
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