Impact Christian Church

Racing great, Mario Andretti, once said: “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal- a commitment to excellence- that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”

There are many historical athletes that get held on the pedestal of greatness. We look at them as flawless. I was too young to remember the Decade of Champions as the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers took the sporting world by storm. However, I do remember as a young boy watching an old replay of Terry Bradshaw scrambling out of the pocket and fumbling the ball. I was confused after watching that video. I thought this was one of the greatest QB’s to ever play the game. I thought every time he dropped back to pass he would throw a touchdown. I truly thought he was invincible.

The reality is Bradshaw had some horrible games, in fact, Bradshaw through 210 interceptions over his NFL career. The great Babe Ruth struck out over 1,000 times. Abraham Lincoln lost numerous elections before being elected as President of the United States.

Every person that we hold in greatness was also a significant failure. What set them apart was their focused ambition. Their eyes were set on the prize and they were relentless in reaching their goals.

God calls us to greatness for His purpose. Through Him we all have the ability for greatness. However, greatness is never handed to us. We become great when we overcome the obstacles that are in our paths.

Focus your ambition. Achieve greatness.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.