Sunday, June 2, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

 

The Great Bambino

 

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

 

Admittedly, I know very little about baseball history. However, when I hear the name "Babe Ruth," I think most of us recognize this iconic baseball hero's name.

 

In 1923, Babe Ruth broke the record for most home runs in a season. What most people don't know is that in the same year, he also broke the record for highest batting average AND he STRUCK OUT more times than any other player in Major League Baseball. He led the American League in strikeouts five times!

 

Every time Babe Ruth approached the plate, he knew that he could possibly strikeout. For many, that mere thought of failure would keep them in the dugout or - even worse - in the stands among the rest of the spectators.

 

In addition to his own thoughts, I am sure fans and foes either shouted out encouraging words or reminded him of his history of failure. Thankfully, instead of listening to the negative voices and being limited by his past failures, Babe Ruth swung for the fences EVERY time! His endurance and tenacity crowned him with the title of "Homerun King," a name that would be forever recorded in history.

 

YOU too have the ability to make history. God has gifted you and empowered you to do great things. Sadly though, many people will never live up to their potential because they are afraid to fail - afraid of what others may think.

 

We all have a choice. We can listen to the naysayers and be controlled by our past mistakes OR we can boldly step to the plate realizing that THIS time CAN be different. Maybe God has placed a business idea in your heart, but it seems too big or you have failed at business attempts in the past. Maybe you go on a diet every Monday to be off-track by Tuesday (or Monday afternoon).

 

Whether it's a goal you're trying to achieve or an addiction you're trying to break, DON'T give up! You CAN achieve record-breaking history. God has not called you to simply be a fan or a spectator, He's called you to be an active member of His victorious team!

 

I challenge you today to keep swinging! Surround yourself with encouraging teammates, and be assured that through Christ, you can do ALL things.

 

Dear Lord, I thank You that although I may have failed in the past, I can have victory in YOU! This time CAN be different.

 

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.