7 life-changing motivational lessons from a soccer match!

Lesson Number  1: Those who don't 'kill the match' usually get punished. Being the first to score is not a guarantee that u will win. If you don't score other goals to kill the match as a contest, the opponent  bounce back and destroy you. David did not relax or celebrate after knocking down Goliath with a sling, he stepped forward to finish off the giant with a sword. Too many people relax when things are looking too promising, only for the enemy to come back and destroy that promising business deal, marriage or ministry. Don't relax or go to sleep when a breakthrough is within your sight. ''But while he was still sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat…'' (Matthew 13:25). Strive Masiyiwa talks about 'closing the deal' in a story of  young real estate agent was showing a couple around a house.

"Why don't we start in the main lounge," he said. As soon as they entered the room, the woman exclaimed in delight, "I really love this room! Wow, it's amazing!"

"Let's buy this house," the woman said to her husband. "This is what I'm looking for!"

Excited, the young agent said, "Come, I'll show you the rest of the house."

Then he added, "I have houses even better than this to show you!"

He hurried them to see the rest of the house. After that he drove them to see some other houses, and encouraged them to call him the next day.

They didn't call him, and he did not get the sale.

Explaining his disappointment to an older more experienced sales agent, he was totally surprised when the other man laughed at him:

"You should have closed the deal on the first house. When she said 'I love this room,' that's the point where you start working to close a deal!". Yes, be swift to 'kill the match', to close the deal or grab the opportunity.

Lesson Number  2: Those who don't follow-up lose out on opportunities. Sometimes goal keepers fail to handle the ball properly, but opposition strikers would be far away to finish off the loose ball. If the ball you kicked is not a goal, you still have to stay close to the action, you may never know when the goalkeeper will punch it back into your path. Many people started projects, businesses, writing books, music career, ministry etc but when their efforts didn't yield any results, they gave up. Follow-up and follow-through! ''We are not those who draw back or retreat to eternal misery & are utterly destroyed…'' (Hebrew 10:39). Don't grow weary of doing good, in due time you shall be rewarded.  Remain expectant and on the look-out for a breakthrough, you may never know when the goalkeeper will spill the ball! Follow-up, follow through, keep the faith, remain expectant and follow-up passionately with a ferocious shot any chance that will arise.     

Lesson Number 3: When under pressure from the opponents, there are times when defenders kick the ball out of the field so that they can give their teammates a chance to come back and help them. They would be kicking the ball out of play so that they can have some time to re-group & reorganize themselves. I then perceived that there comes a time when you have to kick the ball out of your field, remove certain activities from your schedule, in order to get some time to, refuel, recharge evaluate, plan, reflect  & re-organize in order to come back more effective & efficient in your marriage, ministry or career. Set aside time to regroup, recharge, reorganize and re-strategize.

Lesson  Number 4: Injury to key players!  Teams who lose key players & have no quality players to replace the injured or unavailable key players usually pay a heavy price. It is dangerous to fail to train and groom effective assistants in your department whether it's in ministry or at your workplace or business. What will happen the day you are injured? Will he be effective in your absence? Must the team lose just because it is only you who is able to get the job done? Do we have another effective & experienced goalkeeper who will lead us to glory when our number 1 goalkeeper is injured? Who will take over in my department when I am away? Can I confidently say I have a properly groomed Joshua that will rise to the occasion?  ''Moses my servant is dead, now arise!'' (Joshua1:1).       

Lesson Number 5: The counter attack!  Effective teams are able to defend well and quickly move from defense to start attacking, catching the enemy by surprise! Strike back! That moment when the enemy thinks you are still under pressure or mourning your loss, recover quickly and strike back with a surprise counter attack and win that match. Successful man don't lie down for long after they have been attacked, they recover quickly, dust themselves-up and strike-back! How quickly we arise from setbacks will determine how quickly we will arrive at our God-given destinies.      

Lesson Number 6: You can bounce from a goal down and win the game. Being a goal down doesn't mean I have lost. I can still arise, equalize and overtake! ''The Lord gave special strength to Elijah…..and he ran and overtook the chariot'' (1Kings 18:46).

Lesson Number 7:  Great teams win whether they are in their home ground or away from their supporters. Perform at your best whether they are cheering you on or jeering you down! To receive daily motivational messages or quotes join The Motivator's whatsaap group, whatsaap your name to +27719393146