Last night, ESPN continued with their MLB Encore Tuesdays by broadcasting the unforgettable Game 7 of the 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. It was such a thrilling victory for the Chicago Cubs and I love the remarkable story of what took place before the 10th inning. With the Cubs and Indians tied 6-6 at the bottom of the 9th, everyone was looking forward to extra innings. But before play could begin, a rain delay was called and the excitement of the game had to be put on hold for close to 17 minutes. During the break, Cubs outfielder, Jason Heyward, rallied his teammates into the weight room to help motivate them to win Game 7. Cubs catcher, Willson Contreras, described the fire-up session like this: “He looked at us and told us we were all winners. He said, ‘I’m so proud of you guys. We’re not giving up. We’re playing Game 7 and we’re going to win it.’ It was amazing. A bunch of us were crying.”
Following the game, Heyward said, “I know that that was just the perfect situation for it to happen. It worked out that way. We’re always looking forward, as a group collectively, to help stay positive. The rain stopped the game for us, and we just needed a brief moment to kind of collect ourselves and be reminded of who we are.” The rain delay very easily could have been viewed as a negative situation, with players complaining and whining. Instead, the brief storm brought the Cubs together and propelled them to score two runs in the 10th inning and win Game 7 of the World Series. When it comes to our own lives, we’ve all gone through plenty of storms and delays. When the rain begins to fall, do we rally, get pumped, and draw closer to teammates as we wait patiently for the storm to pass? Or do we look at the storm as a big inconvenience and have attitudes filled with negativity and frustration? The Cubs made the most of the storm and can look back four years later and see its value. They admit to being glad that it took place, and wonder if they would have won if it wasn’t for the delay. Although none of us like having “rain delays,” if we believe God is in control and uses challenging circumstances to grow our character and deepen our faith, we can learn to see the importance of them. James 5:11 (AMP) explains, "You know we call those blessed who were steadfast and endured . You have heard of the patient endurance of Job and you have seen the Lord’s outcome . The Lord is full of compassion and is merciful." The Bible says in Psalm 27:14 (NLT), “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
The Cubs found themselves not only in the “weight room” for a pep talk but the “wait room” during a rain delay of an epic World Series. As they waited for play to resume, their momentous meeting prompted a positive shift in the team, which led to a remarkable victory and an ultimate purpose for the delay. Today as we wait on the Lord, let’s utilize the delays we often face. While patiently placing our trust in Jesus to get us through the storms in life, let’s believe we’ll be even stronger after they pass. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m not a big fan of being delayed in life and wish I didn’t have to go through storms. But I know you are in control and I believe You will find purpose in every delay. Teach me to wait patiently for You to work in me and my circumstances. Help me find joy in the rain delays of life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What "rain delay" can you look back and see God's purpose and plan?
How was your faith challenged while you were waiting?
What ways did your faith grow as a result of the delay?
Comments