Webster’s dictionary defines the word Born as -brought into life by the process of birth, having certain qualities or characteristics from the time of birth, or brought into existence. The word Win is defined as – to achieve victory in a fight, contest, game, etc. , or to get (something) by effort.
When you put it all together, it simply means, we were brought into existence by the process of birth to achieve victory or to gain something by effort.
So when someone says, “You can’t do that!” or “You’ll never make it.” “That dream is too big or difficult for you.” You can say I was brought into existence by the process of birth to achieve victory or to gain something by effort. If God was with David when he fought the lions and bears, and Goliath, God will be with me too.
It doesn’t matter if you were born prematurely, delivered in a hospital where the father was nowhere to be found, carried by a mother that gave you up for adoption, born in a bathroom and left in a dumpster or a fire station. Despite all of these horrifying circumstances, a child can be born.
What this means is that the environment around us at the time of birth is temporal, because our significant blessing lies in the fact that we came through the birth canal. Some children didn’t make it out to give their first breath, others didn’t have the opportunity to be fully developed, but you can point to yourself and say, “I made it through.” And if I made it through, God has something for me to do. No matter what anyone says, we have a purpose in life. We have access to victory.
Some of you may be thinking, “How can I be born to win when I am set up to lose?” John 10:10 states, “The thief (enemy) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” We are being set up daily to lose because we are faced with temptation, trials, heartache, fear, disappointments, and so much more.
We wrestle against injustice and the violation of our rights due to the color of our skin. It is disheartening to see our neighborhood schools posed with threats and acts of violence towards children. One of the most tempting tricks used against us is fear. The enemy wants us to be afraid to live our own lives, but in the latter of John 10:10, we can be assured when Jesus says- I have come that they (we) might have life and that they (we) might have it more abundantly.” Jesus wants us to live life to the fullest in Him.
John 3:16-17 – For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. Jesus overrides the enemy all day every day.
One of my favorite movies that I liked to watch while growing up was the 1982 movie Annie, based on the Broadway play “Little Orphan Annie.” A modern movie remake was made in 2014 featuring Jamie Fox and Q. Wallis. At first glance, it appeared that Annie wasn’t born to win but set up to lose. Annie was indeed an orphan and didn’t know her birth parents. She lived in an orphanage that was owned by Agatha Hannigan. Ms. Hannigan was a mean, selfish woman and alcoholic that only thought about herself. One of my favorite songs from the film is “Hard Knock Life” remade by rapper Jay-Z.
“It’s the Hard Knock Life”
It’s the hard-knock life for us!
It’s the hard-knock life for us!
Steada treated,
We get kicked
Steada kisses
We get kicked
It’s the hard-knock life!
Don’t it feel like the wind is always howl’n?
Don’t it seem like there’s never any light?
Once a day, don’t you wanna throw the towel in?
It’s easier than puttin’ up a fight.
Truth be told, sometimes it feels even as adults we are living in an orphanage of life itself. We’ve lost some people along the way, and it feels as if no one cares. It’s been a hard knock life. This was the song that Annie and the other children sang often until suddenly, one day things began to change. I love it when God steps in and changes your tune. Suddenly, America’s richest billionaire Oliver Warbucks came to the orphanage and changed Annie’s life forever.
The moral of the story is Annie’s original environment meant nothing, but the fact that she was born changed everything. She went from living in a poor house to living in a mansion. She had to go through, but she carries the testimony of being born to win.
Then there’s another Disney movie you should remember titled the “Lion King.” The dynamics in this movie begin a little different. Simba is an heir to the throne. Meaning he is next in line to be King of the jungle. He lives in a beautiful environment. One of my favorite songs from this movie is “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” written by Elton John and Tim Rice.
I’m gonna be a mighty king
So enemies beware!
I’m gonna be the mane event
Like no king was before
I’m brushing up on looking down
I’m working on my Roar
Oh I just can’t wait to be king!
Simba was excited and ready to take his rightful place on the throne someday. It appears as if everything is set up perfectly for Simba to walk into greatness with no worries. But the plot thickens, and he loses his father, King Mufasa. As a young child, life happens to him. So what began as an easy ride turned into a frightful trip. Simba walks away from the kingdom and doesn’t return until he’s an adult, and then he finds himself ready to take back his throne.
The moral of this story is that even when life and the experiences it brings throws us off course, we must not forget who we are. We are all King’s kids. We represent the body of Christ and one day will live in the kingdom of God. So don’t allow anyone to take you from your rightful place and make you question your relationship with God. Know who you are.
Reflection Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:32-37
Last but not least, I want to close with the story of David. David was born to win, although no one really understood his value. It wasn’t until God anointed him to be King of Israel that his name was mentioned. When David slew Goliath, his presence came forth. When David took the throne, he was undeniable. Yes, he made some mistakes along the way during his journey, but nevertheless, he was destined for victory.
So just like David, Annie, Simba, and more, you too will overcome the obstacles in your life and walk away victorious. Always remember if you have breath in your body, you are born to win.
