Becoming a Champion - Go Blue

"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.  Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"   1 John 5:4-5

There is a sign that hangs in the University of Michigan locker room which reads - "Those Who Stay Will Be Champions".  This came to fruition in 2024 for the UofM Football team, and then again last night for the 2026 UofM Basketball team.  This team started the season with one target in mind - the National Championship.  The team was built by recruiting the right talent from around the league through the portal to achieve that target.  But there was one very key contributor who came straight out of high school.  A young man named Trey McKenney, an 18-year-old basketball phenom from Orchard Lake Saint Mary's in Michigan.  He wasn't a starter in any game this year, but came off the bench, and although he had incredible talent was humble enough to accept his role on the team.  Trey had a wonderful freshman season with the Wolverines, averaging 10 pts per game, and led the team in 3 pointers.  He contributed in all 40 games and was instrumental in several through his strong defense, shooting skill, and quickness.  Although he had schools all over the country trying to get him to come and play for them, he chose Michigan, and before he ever stepped foot on the hardwood with the large block "M" he declared they were going to win the National Championship.  On paper, Trey McKenney is a great athlete, but he's so much more.

You see, his Grandfather was a Pastor in Flint, and Trey came to know the Lord early in his life.  He is a young man of strong faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord.  In an interview following the game, he was quoted as saying, "It's amazing to be on this platform. I give all the glory to God for why I'm here.  He's given me this journey to follow on, and I'm really grateful and blessed for it."  He is not alone either; several other coaches and players on this Championship team, including Dusty May, Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Nimari Burnett, all very public with their faith after the game as well.  God is recognized on the biggest stage by incredible athletes every day, but it is so heart-warming to see a team with such amazing talent giving credit back to their Savior in front of the bright lights.

Being a champion in life, though, has nothing to do with bright lights, basketball, football, or any other sport for that matter.  Being a champion in life has to do with overcoming the temptations and sinful nature of this world.  This is only done through faith in Jesus Christ.  For you see, this life is temporary, a simple drop in an ocean of eternity.  The game plan for this life then is to stay focused and intent on living for Jesus Christ, engaging with the Holy Spirit daily to walk through each day.  We are going to fall behind at times, and even lose a battle now and then, but the game is not over until He says it is.  There is no shot clock or time-outs.  We spend each breath either lifting Him up and living for Him, or living for the world.  There is no other option.  It's very black and white.  

Based on the casual observation, we are definitely in the fourth quarter of the game.  We have the ability to become Eternal Champions by remaining strong in our faith and focus.  Sure, there will be some with a last-minute Hail Mary pass (the QB throws a long pass as time expires to try and win the game), but did you know that, on average, less than 5% of Hail Mary passes are successful in the NFL?  With no insight into the remaining time, a Hail Mary is even less likely to be successful when we are talking about our eternal destination.  Stepping into a relationship with Jesus Christ today and then living out the remainder of your life as an overcomer in this world has a much higher probability.  

Congratulations to the Michigan Wolverines on their 2026 National Championship, and congratulations to all of you reading this on your pending Eternal Championship.