Champions win in life because of a deep desire, dream, and vision.
Hebrews 11:7 (AMP)
“[Prompted] by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [his faith which relied on God] he passed judgment and sentence on the world’s unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness (that relation of being right into which God puts the person who has faith).”
Have you ever desired to win so much, and you got excited and wanted to start with a bang but instead you start with a crash?
Noah loved God even in a time when literally everyone else had forgotten about Him. Sin, violence, and debauchery were at an all time high, but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord because he loved God and lived a life of integrity. I’m sure Noah wanted to be used by God. I’m sure he had deep desire, dream, and vision to lead his family in the ways of God, and impact the world for the purpose of God, but I’m sure he never saw this coming.
LIFE OF A CHAMPION
Believers who want to live the life of a champion have 3 components as seen through a Christ centered perspective.
DESIRE: A longing for a certain outcome
DREAM: An aspiration or goal
VISION: A vivid anticipation
Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)
“NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].”
1. DESIRE: They Long for Gods Purpose
Noah listened to God. This means Noah had a habit of talking to God. Prayer is much more than making petition of God. It is the conversation and communication with Him that cultivates the longing for God’s purpose in our lives. In Prayer, we don’t just talk, we listen. If we will listen when we pray, God will speak to us through his word, in our hearts, and through other confirmations. To be champions, we must learn to listen to God and shut out all the other voices.
- The voice of our flesh
- The voices of pressure
- The voices of good intentions
- The voices of our spiritual enemies
- The voices of religion.
Listen to the pure voice of God. Be familiar with His voice by studying and knowing his word. The scriptures tell us to meditate on the word:
Joshua 1:8 (NKJ)
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
PSALM 1:1-3 (NKJ)
“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Philippians4:8 (NKJ)
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
2. DREAM: The Aspire to Gods Plans
Noah trusted God. He aspired to God’s plans. His dream became to do the will of God by submitting to the plan of God for his life. This is TRUST.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not to your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, He will direct your paths.
Trust is the ability to see the other side of the equation. The ability to understand, if you do what God is telling you, it will turn out the way he says it will. Trust Him. To truly trust God, you have to stop placing your trust in people, things, or circumstances, and even yourself. Place your trust solely in him. Noah trusted God was going to do what he said, and so, there was no room for him not to trust. (God always knows better, period)
VISION: Anticipate God’s Promises
Noah obeyed God because he had vision. He anticipated God’s promises. He knew that what God promised would come to pass, the salvation of his family and the judgement of the earth. He anticipated it and, therefore, he obeyed.
Obedience to God and his word is very important. When the Holy Spirit speaks to you, you need to obey. Do what he says! Sometimes it makes no logical sense, but that’s why we call it faith. We believe even though we can’t see the outcome.
BE A CHAMPION
To be a champion is, first, to know Christ and have a relationship with him and then to long for God’s promises, aspire to God’s plans, and anticipate God’s promises. God wants us to win in life. He wants us to follow his plans and purpose for our life. He undoubtedly knows what is best for us. So let’s listen, trust, and obey his voice. Let us do all that he has placed in our hearts.
