Until last night, Houston Astros’ starting pitcher, Dallas Keuchel, has had his way against the New York Yankees’ batters throughout his career. His performance in the 2015 wild-card game ended their season.
Then in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series this year, he dominated again. Between those two games, he struck out 17 New York batters and allowed seven hits, two walks, and no runs in 13 innings.
But with the series tied 2-2 and with Game 5 being in New York, the Yankees finally overcame the pitcher who previously only surrendered seven earned runs in 57+ career innings against them.
This time, Keuchel gave up four runs in less than five innings and the Yankees went on to win the game 5-0.
Ian O'Connor wrote an article about the Yankees' impressive victory titled, “Nemesis No More: Yankees Finally Conquer Dallas Keuchel.” Undoubtedly, breaking through and knocking off an opponent that has given you so much trouble in the past is very rewarding.
I am sure many of us today are up against our own “nemesis,” and desire to overcome a certain sin that continues to defeat us.
Every time we’re up to bat and face the same temptation, we strike out. Our opponent uses arrogance, anger, lust, selfishness or addiction to take us down, and we feel we're never going to get the win.
However, we don’t have to buy that lie when we surrender to Jesus. We have hope in knowing He gives us power to conquer our biggest nemesis...and the battle doesn't have to be fought in our own strength.
James 4:7-8 (NLT) encourages us by saying, "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”
By humbly admitting our struggles and weaknesses, and seeking God's power through prayer, He can do remarkable work in us.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) is a great verse to cling to: "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
Today, let’s allow this truth to give us hope in trusting God to “conquer the nemesis” that has been defeating us for way too long.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful for the victory I have in Christ. I know there is freedom from bondage to sin, and I believe You will give me the power and strength to resist temptation. Thank you for Your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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