On January 5, 2008, the wrestling team from Brandon High School in Florida was defeated in a wrestling dual. That fact alone may not seem too noteworthy to you. After all, unless there is a tie, there is a loser 100% of the time in any given high school sporting event. What makes this particular loss significant is that it was the first loss in a wrestling dual for Brandon High’s wrestling team in 34 years. That’s right. This one wrestling program had put together a string of 459 consecutive dual victories. The New England Patriot’s recently failed quest for an unbeaten season record at 19-0 in professional football pales in comparison to the unbeaten streak assembled by the wrestlers at Brandon High School.
What should not be forgotten in this amazing story is that the Brandon High School wrestling team wasn’t always a winner. Things were rough as the program got on its feet. “(Jim Graves)… was the school's third wrestling coach in three years when he took over the program in 1971…In the first few years, there were no mats, no singlets. Wrestlers ripped mats off the gym walls, taping them together and grappling in a cramped weightroom or auditorium stage. Graves brought to practice filmstrips, which taught wrestlers fundamental moves. They learned together, going to camps and clinics. After their lone losing season (3-10 in 1971-72), the Eagles built the foundation of the streak with a 12-1 year. They were self-taught and, out of necessity, self promoters” (highschool.rivals.com).
Consistent victories for Christ in my life are also built upon the same kind of commitment and sacrifice. Even though I might desire immediate and consistent spiritual success, I know that a foundation for success must first be built. Attitudes must be changed. Virtues must be practiced. Lessons must be learned from defeats. Most importantly, I must remember to put my faith in the Ultimate Victor. “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). His winning streak is unsurpassed!
God loves you!
Mike
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