God's Coaching #230

God's Coaching #230

Big-league baseball players are the best in the sport, right? Sure, but even the best players have slumps. During the summer of 2010, Jayson Werth found himself in a big slump. The outfielder went three months without getting a hit with runners in scoring position and two outs. Every time he came to bat from May 19 to August 18 with a chance to knock in some runs, he made the third out. It was an 0-for-35 run. The Philadelphia Phillies even kept him out of games because of his struggling offense.

Slumps are a dreaded part of baseball. Players try all sorts of funny things to break them. Tim Naehring trimmed the word hit into his scalp in 1991. Ozzie Guillén dripped eye drops on bats to help them “see” the ball. Babe Ruth thought eating scallions would help. Don Baylor shaved his mustache in 1972. None of those tricks helped. Hmmmm. How did things work out for Jayson? He broke his slump and led the league in doubles for the year. And he ended up signing a new contract with the Washington Nationals for $126 million.

What’s the Score?

Slumps happen in baseball and in life, too. Some people call it bad luck. Others say things just aren’t going their way. It can feel like God is a long way off. It’s almost like your prayers bounce off the ceiling right back at you. Some of the Bible’s greatest heroes went through spiritual slumps. David even asked God, “Why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1, NIV).

At times when you feel like you’re in a horrible slump, remember that God never leaves you. He never changes even when our feelings do. He’s always faithful. And he uses those times when we feel like we’re alone in the wilderness to teach us new things. Hold on to God. Cling to his promises like they’re your oasis in the desert. God is able to help us feel better even in our worst times—it’s like he can pour a new, refreshing river through the driest desert. That’s exactly what he told his people in Isaiah 43.

On the Ball

Search an online Bible for verses about hope and comfort. Choose one to memorize—or start with Isaiah 43:19. Don’t get discouraged when you’re slumping. God will always provide a way out.

Coach’s Comment

I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19