The first time I ever remember winning something that was really big was when I was in the 6th grade. It was 1986, and we were at the skating rink on a Friday night. The whole theme for the night was based off of Michael Jackson's new Thriller album. They were randomly calling names that were entered into a drawing. Some of the prizes were free meal tickets, free skating passes, posters, etc. The big prize however, was an autographed Thriller Record w/ a picture of Michael Jackson on both sides. The time had finally come. The lights had been dimmed and the crowd was anxiously awaiting the DJ to call out the name of the winner. When he called my name, that began a lifetime of loving to win. Over the next several years I was constantly asking my Mom to drive me down to the local radio station because I had won some sort of contest.
I never played sports, so in that arena I was never competitive. That is, at least until I had kids who played sports. However, invite me to a baby or wedding shower, and I'll do just about anything to win one of those prizes! You can never have too many bottles of bubble bath. (lol) What can I say? I love to win! And the way I see it, other's probably do to.
Wouldn't it be amazing if everything in life was a win? Whether it was in the area of relationships, raising kids, having a career, or in the area of your health, things were just always perfect. However, life is not a contest or random drawing, and nothing is always perfect. I think we could agree that sometimes it is hard to see past certain circumstances you may be going through. Do you know what I beleive though? I believe that in every senario, it is possible for a person to find a win.
Hebrews 11:1 says that "faith is the things hope for, with the evidence of things not seen". This means that there can be times in your life when something 'looks' like a losing battle. How could anything good come out of it? BUT, you believe somehow someway it can. I would challenge you to have faith once again. Believe that when the Bible talks about Satan meaning things for bad, God can turn them into good - it's true.
I am almost 38 now, and there have been many situations I've gone through, that have felt hopelesss. But, God is so faithful. When I put my complete trust in Him, and venture to walk out in faith one more time - He will always show me the win - and He will you, too!
