The World Series began last night as the Atlanta Braves took game one by a score of 6-2 over the Houston Astros. Jorge Soler batted first for Atlanta and hit a home run on the third pitch of the game to set the tone for the night.
The Astros weren’t able to keep up with the Braves' hitting, as their three stars Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Carlos Correa went a combined 0-for-12 at the plate.
It was a strong performance on the road for the Braves, but it’s only one game and the Astros aren’t worried. Manager Dusty Baker made this comment after the game:
"Our team doesn't worry, and our team's very confident. We have the knack of bouncing back after losses, after tough losses because they don't quit, they don't give up, they don't get down. That's the secret of sports."
Baker also added, "On a loss, you have to forget yesterday. You go in our clubhouse, I've never seen these guys worry. They know they can play, and they know they're going to rebound."
The Astros demonstrated this mentality before as they were recently down 2-1 to the Boston Red Sox during the ALCS before they pulled off three wins in a row to make it to their third World Series in the last five years.
They may be down 0-1 right now, but as Baker puts it, “our team doesn’t worry, and our team’s very confident.”
The reality is, they know what it’s like to win the World Series as well as how it feels to lose the World Series since they beat the Dodgers in 2017 and lost to the Nationals in 2019.
Most of us woke up with something we could worry about. We lost yesterday in some way or we’re facing a challenge leaving us with an “0-1 deficit” to deal with today.
Despite the number of things we could be worrying about, that doesn’t have to be how we respond. The words of manager Dusty Baker about his baseball team parallel very well to what we as followers of Jesus read in scripture.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP), “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your requests known to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus .”
Dusty Baker also told us how his players “don't quit, they don't give up, they don't get down. That's the secret of sports." It's true. Teams that succeed keep going after losses and remain confident and hopeful. They know how to handle wins and losses while remaining steady.
Similarly, Paul tells us the secret of facing life regardless of whether we’re “1-0 or 0-1.”
Philippians 4:12-13 (AMP) says, "I know how to get along and live humbly , and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret , whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens and empowers me ”
Today, as the worries, concerns, and anxious thoughts try and take over, let’s trust Jesus to empower us not to give up...and to continue living with confidence and hope rooted in Him, so we can boldly say, “I don’t worry” because we know who is in our “clubhouse” with us.
Let's especially be mindful of the encouraging words found in Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT): “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray my life wouldn’t be marked by worry, but rather a confident trust in You. Help me to be deeply rooted in You and Your truth as I rely on Jesus to give me strength regardless of the circumstances I face. Thank you for the peace You give me, that transcends all understanding. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What are you battling right now that is causing worry to creep in?
How would your life be different if you didn’t worry and fully trusted God in every circumstance?
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