Last week the Golden State Warriors won their fourth NBA Championship since 2015 after knocking out Boston 103-90 in Game 6. The dynasty they’ve built has been extremely impressive and every title they’ve won has meant something special, but this year was especially unique. Over the last few seasons, the Warriors have been hit with major injuries to their star players, watched Kevin Durant leave the team, and heard from all the doubters who proclaimed they would never win again with this group. However, the Warriors never gave up, didn’t give in to the doubts or the pressure, and didn’t settle after their previous championships. Instead, they refused to back down and never stopped believing they could win again. On TheAthletic.com, NBA writer David Aldridge wrote in an article: “The Warriors, like the great championship teams that preceded them, are a stubborn bunch.” In describing this team, I think the word, "stubborn," is an interesting word to use. He also wrote, “Hall of Famer Chris Webber has this great saying about championship teams. Often, they aren’t the most talented or the best-coached. They just, usually, are the most stubborn.” At first glance, the word stubborn has a negative connotation. Of course, being stubborn in the wrong way can be a major character flaw, but when used in the context of who the Warriors are, it is positive and fitting. Synonyms for the word stubborn include, “firm, adamant, resolute, persistent, uncompromising, unbending, and tenacious.” Warriors forward, Draymond Green, said after the win, “We’re very stubborn and it has been tested. You go through injuries. You get punched in the mouth a couple times. And it takes an incredible amount of resilience and togetherness and trust in each other.” Finals MVP, Steph Curry, added, “...that stubbornness of who we are matters more than what anybody is saying about us. That’s why we’re here.” The Warriors proved that adversity wasn’t going to stop them, criticism wasn’t going to take them off course, and no opponent was going to cause them to waver from knowing who they are and what they needed to do. In the end, their stubbornness, persistence, and uncompromising belief were rewarded with another Larry O’Brien Trophy. When it comes to our own lives as followers of Jesus, the right kind of stubbornness is also valuable and rewarding for us. When we face adversity, we want to remain firm, resolute, tenacious, resilient, and persistent. James 1:12 (ESV) tells us, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” During the seasons of our life when “injuries” and difficulties seem to be hitting us in every direction, we want to be a "stubborn bunch" and consistently do the right things, never giving up or giving in. Galatians 6:9 (ESV) provides this encouragement: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” We must also remain stubborn, adamant, uncompromising, and unbending when the world tries to take us off course or attack our faith. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (AMP) warns, “Be on guard; stand firm in your faith . Act like men and be courageous; be strong.” If persecution, criticism, or temptation comes our way, we must refuse to back down or stop believing the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We don’t have to let our opponent cause us to waver from knowing who we are in Christ and what He’s calling us to do. We must stand firm in our faith, not giving in to the doubts or the pressure, but remaining stubborn in our hope of victory. Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) says, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) urges, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” Today, let's learn from championship teams that we don't have to be the "most talented," just the "most stubborn!" I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I'm confident in Your truth and Your promises, but please help me to have a faith that is strong and immovable. When I go through adversity, show me how to be steadfast, uncompromising, and resilient. I pray that my faith wouldn't waver because my hope is in You. Thank you for helping me to stand firm and never give up. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Describe a time in your life when you demonstrated the right kind of stubbornness and persistence through adversity.
In what situations is it toughest for you to stand firm and be stubborn?
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