“You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you…  I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is… it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you … In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.…” (Gal 5:7-10; 2 Thess 1:6; Rom 8:37)

Child of God, you are a champion because God has made you so! The Holy Spirit is your teacher, coach and encourager. He is training you daily. He expects you to run according to the rules of the game. Though you are a child of God, the Holy Spirit will not accept bribes or manipulations to bend the rules. He trains you to be a real champion in your mind, emotions, will, body and spirit! This marathon race is hard work. But you are looking for your reward in the future. The promise of reward helps you overcome the difficulties. The gold crown or the gold medal you shall receive is a gift you want to place at the feet of Jesus Christ, your Savior and Lord.

One of the ways satan tempts the children of God is to bring one of his people by your side as you run the race of faith. The Accuser of the brethren sends an athlete alongside you. You have never seen this strange man training in any stadium around. You don’t know his coach. You do not know his past achievements. All you know is that he is huge, with big muscles and strong voice. He is confident and he is boasting of victory. He is placed to run next to you. Suddenly, he whispers words of mockery and discouragement to you, saying: ‘you call yourself a Christian, you are a fool… you can never finish this race… this race is too hard for you… I am the best athlete in the world… you are a ‘nobody’… there is no need to run… just go away and rest… leave the stadium and go home… nobody in your family is a champion… it is not in your DNA… just go away…if not, I will push you aside, and wound you, and kill you… the director of the stadium is my friend… nobody will help you… don’t you see how insignificant you are?’

For a time you listen to these wicked words. Fear of failure, of disgrace, of untimely death… is trying to enter your heart.  A strange weakness squeezes your soul. You breathe hard… You start to doubt your faith… You almost stumble and fall… Then you remember that the Holy Spirit is running by your side… ‘What a relief!’- you tell yourself… Then you whisper to the Holy Spirit… ‘Did you see this great champion running by my side? He says he will take my crown… What shall I do?’ Then the Holy Spirit speaks: ‘My child, fear not! Resist him and he will run away from you! He is a fake athlete. The enemy has sent him to tempt you, to give up your crown. He is already disqualified because he has tested positive for illegal drugs. He is a liar! Do not listen to him! Focus your gaze on Me, the Author and the Finisher of your faith! You are the true champion! I am always by your side! Let’s move on!”

Suddenly, my eyes got opened to see the King of glory seated on His throne! Truth sets me free! I now remember who I am in Christ! I am complete in Him! My Lord has never lost a battle! In Him I too can never lose! I am more than an overcomer thru Him who loved me and died for me! I am a champion! Nobody can take my crown! You devil, get out! Go away before I crush you underfoot! Nonsense liar! Defeated foe! Disgraced thief! Yeye athlete! Holy Spirit is my guide, even to the end! I receive power as the Holy Ghost comes upon me! Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace to men on whom His grace abides! Halleluiah!