Victory starts in the mind

Steve Lyston, Contributor

As the nation's athletes, coaches and management team prepare for the Olympics, each one of them must understand that this Olympics will be a mind game, and we cannot rely on past victories, neither can we become complacent or brag that we are a talented nation. We instead have to commit our work and talents to God and remember that He is the one, according to Deuteronomy 8:18, that gives us the power to get wealth.

Remember that defeat, fear, doubt and even victory all begin in the mind. So, in order to become victorious we must first:

See the victory in your mind. Run the race in your mind and see yourself winning it.

Believe that you are the best, because God said so. When you step out on the track or field, know and believe that there is no one else on the field better than you will at what you do.

Speak to your mind to line up (Psalm 121) and remember that your help comes from the Lord.

In a race, only one will get the gold. You have to run in a way that you obtain it. (I Corinthians 9: 24)

You have to be disciplined in all ways, bringing your body into subjection.

Master self-discipline, self-denial and self-control in order to get the gold. (I Corinthians 9: 27)

Lay aside anything that hinders our progress - sin, parties, pride, friends - anything necessary to ensure that you are focused on the goal. (Hebrews 12:1)

The Other Side Of The Race

Before a race can be won in the natural/physical realm, it must first be won in the invisible/spiritual realm. (Exodus 17:8) This means that your prayers, your vows, your tithe, your fasting, your petitions and counter-petitions to the Lord, as well as the positive words that you speak can make a huge impact on your efforts to attain victory.

Every fear and doubt, obstacle and hindrance must first be overcome in the mind. Words are powerful! Everything was created by way of a spoken word! By principle, everything, good or bad, begins with a spoken word! So our team has to cover itself from the negative words of the media and competitors, and ask God to help them to overcome their personal fear. Remember, the enemy will say you are not good enough, fast enough or strong enough, but you must realise that your mountain is more afraid of you than you are of it!

Remember that your body reacts to your mind. Fear may say, "I cannot make it", "I am going to make a false start", "I feel fatigue!", "I am not fit enough!" "I am a little Third-World unknown, I am not as good as the First-World athletes!" But, don't believe those lies! You must take charge of your mind, not have your mind control you. Your mind must obey your instructions! Just speak to your mind and say, "Mind, line up. We are the best!"

Start to create a picture in your mind. See the gold! See the victory! Write your victory speech! Get a picture of yourself as a winner and put it up in your house and declare yourself a winner daily!

Pray this prayer daily.

Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, thank you for the gifts, talents and abilities you have given me. I decree and declare that this is my year and this is my season. I will not be defeated, the gold is mine and the glory and power are Yours! You promised me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and I stand on it now. I command my body to line up for victory now. I refuse to be distracted by negative words! Instead, I press toward the mark, for my higher calling in you, through you. Guide me and give me new tactics and strategies. Remove all plots, plans and obstacles from my path and I command victory now for myself and the team, oneness, unity and peace. Amen.

Apostle Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire'.