Focus and Perseverance

On Saturday, April 7, 2018, the Astros played the Padres at Minute Maid Park.  In the bottom of the 10th inning the game was still scoreless.  Relief pitcher Phil Maton was pitching for the Padres, Derek Fisher was on second for the Astros, and Alex Bregman was up to bat.  With two outs and full count, Maton pitched, Bregman swung and made contact, and the ball popped up about thirty feet from the pitcher’s mound.  Even though it looked to be an easy out, Bregman and Fisher ran as if it was another hit dependent on a win in the World Series.  The first and third basemen and pitcher ran and stood under the ball ready to catch it for the easy third out, but no one caught the ball!  As the ball bounced on the ground, Fisher crossed the plate and scored.  The Astros won their 7th out of 9 games 1 to 0 over the Padres.  Knowing it would be the last out of the inning if the ball was caught, Fisher took the risk to run his fastest from second base to home to score.  Bregman also ran to first base, even though it looked like a sure out.  If he hadn’t run, a retrieved ball and simple toss to the baseman would have been an out.

Some lessons observed:

* Life doesn’t always turn out as expected.  There are twists, turns, dropped balls, and surprises.  Keep going.

* It’s important to focus, know the rules, and keep the options of the game in mind.

* Keep your head in the game.

* Knowing the rules and applying them can make the difference between a win and a loss.

* Never give up.

* Perseverance matters, especially when the game is longer than anticipated.

And so it is in life.  We need to keep our focus on Jesus, know His Word well so we can respond appropriately at a moment’s opportunity, never give up, and persevere until the end.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:2-4, 12