MY TAKE: A WINNING COMBINATION THAT MAKES A CHAMPION A CHAMPION!

A definitive mindset founded on a publicly admitted faith led to the win by a college wrestler in Saturday's NCAA Wrestling Championship match in Pennsylvania where Oklahoma State's Wyatt Hendrickson "pulled a stunning upset" against Minnesota's Gable Stevenson in the 285-pound division.

The 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force who returned to school this season was unabashed in proclaiming and crediting his dramatic feat to his faith in "my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". Applying that unequivocal trust inspired him to visualize victory before he stepped on the mat, the amazed athlete claimed. Although Hendrickson is obviously not physically small he thought of himself as the little David facing Goliath when he faced his much favored opponent.

The newly declared National Champion acknowledged that a much needed extra push behind him was all it took in the remaining few seconds of the fight for the takedown and the victory. He said post contest that the end result was not by chance and that "nothing is impossible when you have God on your side". Also after the match Hendrickson dutifully saluted his Commander-In-Chief President Donald J. Trump who purposely came to watch the event.

I submit that every person can learn from this wrestler's experience. The bible teaches that the children of God and Christ followers are constantly in a spiritual battle as they "wrestle not against flesh and blood but against rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12 ESV). I believe Hendrickson is a true champion both in sports and in the cause of the Gospel. Here’s a challenge: what do you champion for in your own life?