For the first time since 1995, the Atlanta Braves are World Series Champions after winning Game 6 against the Houston Astros 7-0 last night.
Based on their unbelievable journey to the World Series this year, these headlines capture how they went through challenges on their way to victory.
“Braves Overcome Obstacles to Win 2021 World Series” (MLB.com)
“The Braves Turned a Lost Season Into a Championship" (FiveThirtyEight.com)
“Braves Defy Odds as Unreal Ride Ends in Glory” (MLB.com)
The Atlanta Braves’ World Series Win Over Houston is a Historic Shock” (TheRinger.com)
“The Atlanta Braves Were Under .500 in August - Now They’re World Series Champions" (The Wall Street Journal)
"Atlanta Overcomes Decades of Frustration to Win World Series" (New York Times)
"The Atlanta Braves' World Series Victory Was Built On a Summer of Desperation" (TheGuardian.com)
“21 Reasons the Braves’ 2021 World Series Title Was So Very Unexpected” (Sportingnews.com)
The Braves entered the playoffs after having the fewest wins in the regular season among the other playoff teams.
They had a tough season dealing with major injuries to superstar, Ronald Acuna Jr. (he tore his ACL in July) and pitcher, Mike Soroka (he retore his Achilles in June), as well as, the arrest of Marcell Ozuna who never returned to the team.
They also faced other challenges in the playoffs, including star pitcher, Charlie Morton, breaking his leg in Game 1 of the World Series.
Braves' first basemen, Freddie Freeman, summed it up this way after the win last night: "We hit every pothole, every bump you could possibly hit this year, and somehow the car still made it onto the other side. It's just an incredible group."
In considering how the Braves' difficult season ended in victory...and as MLB.com put it, their “unreal ride ends in glory,” I hope we can be encouraged when experiencing our own “obstacles,” “decades of frustration,” and “summer of desperation.”
As followers of Jesus, we may “hit every pothole, every bump” at times in our journey, but we can know with confidence that we will “still make it onto the other side.”
In Christ, our victory is secure and eternal life with Him is what awaits us. Because of this, we can be assured that this “unreal ride ends in glory.”
When dealing with our own “potholes” along the way, they don’t have to take us off course. Instead, we keep on going and focus on Jesus and what God has promised we'll experience at the end of the road.
As 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT) tells us, “In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.”
Rather than being discouraged, let’s remember what Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (AMP):
“Therefore we do not become discouraged . Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
"For our momentary, light distress is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure !
"So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal , but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.”
Paul also says in Romans 8:18 (CSB), “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.”
"The Braves Turned a Lost Season Into a Championship" and as surprising as it was, today they are experiencing sports glory.
Because we know everlasting glory is coming, you and I can be filled with hope regardless of the "potholes" we deal with, and when it seems like we're in a "lost season." Unlike the unexpected Braves' World Series victory, our Championship is expected!
I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I wouldn't lose sight of Your promises and the eternal glory You share with me because of Jesus. Please help me not to be discouraged by momentary afflictions, but instead, be filled with hope as I trust You to restore and strengthen me. Thank you for the victory I experience now and for eternity. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What "potholes" have recently popped up on your journey?
What comes to mind when you think about the eternal glory God promises us?
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