God's Coaching #229

God's Coaching #229

Chelsea Baker prefers baseball to softball. That’s bad news for the boys. In August 2010, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum honored her as one of the best Little League players in the country. The right-handed pitcher had recorded two perfect games and posted a 12–0 record. It was her fourth-straight undefeated season for her team in Plant City, Florida. The seventh-grader could have played with a girls’ softball team, but a baseball is much better for throwing her signature knuckleball. She learned the pitch from the former major-leaguer Joe Niekro.

Not everyone likes a girl playing against boys. Chelsea got used to lots of unkind comments from opponents. Many told her to go play softball. Chelsea learned to ignore them and let her game do the talking. Instead of getting mad or shouting back, she calmly and quietly kept striking out the boys. She struck out 127 batters in 60 innings in 2010. No matter what people said, Chelsea kept working to be the best at the game she loves.

What’s the Score?

It’s hard to face criticism and insults. They make us mad, and we want to scream or shove back. But reacting emotionally throws us off our game, both in sports and in life.

God told his people, “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). It’s a great reminder of where our source of power is: God. No matter what’s going on around us, we can turn to him. We don’t have to fight back or defend ourselves against mean words or taunts. We can be confident that God will help us. We can trust him and use the talents he’s given us—and keep getting the job done, just like Chelsea did.

On the Ball

Memorize Isaiah 30:15. Say it to yourself when someone makes fun of you or when you’re nervous about something.

Coach’s Comment

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15