Victory in Loss?

James 1:2-4 - Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. 

So ironically after I post about my faith in the ability of the Thunder and parallel their victories with my own, they happen to lose a game.  Figures.  That also parallels my life right now.  I have days where I win and days where I feel like I've lost it all.  Their loss last night rocked my world almost as much as a personal issue that came to light.  However, true victory is spurned by determination, perseverance and confidence.  These are things only obtained by God and He knows what He is doing!

Patience is not my virtue.  I get a little encouragement in one direction and I think I gotta have it ALL right NOW.  It's kind of like the basketball finals.....   Losses are discouraging but only a true winner can pick themselves up, dust themselves off and go at it full force again!  Losses in our lives are fleeting moments but they can be so extremely important for molding us into what we need to be.  We don't need instant success - otherwise it won't last.

I play for keeps.  I'm not into small victories - I want the whole enchilada.  I wouldn't be going down this road of tests and challenges just to live a life of mediocrity.  I had that before but I know I can do better, have more and be a CHAMP.  I'm not settling this time - even if it takes me a lifetime to get there.

I have faith in the Thunder to be victorious - whether they keep winning in the finals or not.  I respect them that much.  So, in the end, it really doesn't matter if you win or lose - it's how you play the game.  I need to remember this for awhile - and keep my head in the game as well!