Here in New England, we celebrated a huge victory last weekend when the Patriots completed the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. The team rallied from a 25-point deficit and defeated the Atlanta Falcons to win their 5th championship. To some, this may not mean anything, and you might even be wondering why on earth I’m mentioning this on our church’s blog, but trek with me.
When you begin to look at this win through spiritual lenses, you’ll see that this victory translates from the football field into our everyday lives. How often do we find ourselves in less than favorable circumstances, with the odds stacked against us? How do we respond? Do we throw in the towel or do we hold onto hope and keep fighting?
It’s one thing to believe that God wants us to win in life, but it’s another thing to know how to become a winner. The most common reason people don’t reach their goals is that they aren’t willing to continue putting in the amount of effort needed to win. A winning mentality has a lot to do with how we respond to adversity. God built us to win, but there will be resistance. And it’s in these moments that we need to put up a fight for the things we believe God has placed in our hearts and to claim the victory He has set before us.
So, how should we respond when adversity comes knocking?
1. Keep talking victory
When things begin to go wrong, that’s when the enemy will attempt to fill your mind with lies. Battle back with the truth of God’s word which says that through Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) and we can do anything through Him who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).
2. Stick to the game plan
You should have a strategy set in place and when things don’t go according to plan, stick to the strategy anyway. Now is not the time to give in to your feelings. Fear and frustration will come but don’t run with it and get off course.
3. Tap into faith
Faith is the confidence that God is who He says He is, and He’s working on our behalf even when we don’t see Him working. Faith says, “I know who I trust and I know who is with me.”
4. Tap into community
There is strength in unity and numbers. We weren’t meant to live life alone. The enemy would love nothing more than to isolate you and give you all the reasons why you can’t win. Surround yourself with people who will pick you up when you’re down.
5. Rely on the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit knows everything that you’re going through, and He empowers you to get through it. Not by our own might or power, but by the Spirit. He is always with you.
God has designed us to win, but our mindset can determine whether we live our lives in victory or defeat. A winning mindset isn’t limited to what we can do in our own strength, but rather the resources that are available to us through Christ, which are endless.