The LA Lakers won their 15th NBA championship last night, and I’m so proud of them. I’m not happy because Kobe Bryant won a championship without Shaq, or because Phil Jackson eclipsed Red Auerbach as the coach with the most NBA championships. I’m excited because the Lakers didn’t let failure destroy their determination. Last year, they lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals, and they could have quit after that loss. Instead, they used the loss as motivation to win this year. They refused to let one defeat hinder their championship dreams.
There is something within a winner that won’t let her/him stay down. Even when things don’t end favorably, a winner won’t falter. That’s why I love Jesus, who is the epitome of resiliency. I’m sure He wanted the Pharisees (critics mentioned above) to repent and accept His message, but they didn’t. But that didn’t stop Jesus. He kept going, and in spite of their rejection, He healed a man with a withered hand!
Don’t let failure hinder your progress. Instead of throwing in the towel, remember the old saying: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Let your failures motivate you to win the next time!