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A World Series Thought for 2012
I’m fully aware of the risks associated with bringing divergent points of view to the table.
But today, I’m not referring to any theological questions. I’m talking about the incredible divide that exists between Cub fans and Cardinal fans. This is an “either/or” issue with no room for compromise. But if all parties can agree to reason together to talk baseball for a couple of minutes, you’ll find an encouraging thought for the new year.
Last October, baseball fans were treated to one of the most amazing comeback stories of all time. No team had ever won a World Series after finding themselves 10 ½ games out with 31 games to play; 8 ½ back with 21 to play and three games out with five to play. No team had ever won a World Series after being one strike away from extinction in back-to-back innings of the same World Series game.
As a matter of fact, in the history of baseball, only one other team has ever done what the 2011 Cardinals did. Only one other team, the 1986 Mets, came one strike away from losing the Series and survived to win. The 2011 Cardinals found themselves in that position twice in two innings in Game 6 and came back to win it all in Game 7.
One St. Louis sportswriter wrote, “You cannot kill the St. Louis Cardinals. If they are down to their last game, they will win it. If they are down to their last out, they will redeem it. If they are down to their last strike, you’d better paint the corner and pray.”
The St. Louis Cardinals did what seemed impossible and in the process gave hope to all the underdogs. They proved that with persistent determination, difficult challenges can be conquered.
We all face difficult challenges. Sometimes they come at us; disappointment with people, an unexpected diagnosis from the doctor, or a relationship crisis that catches us by surprise. At other times, the difficult challenge is the result of a step of faith God wants us to take.
If persistent determination helped the St. Louis Cardinals do what no other team had ever done before, how much more can we, who are called of God and equipped by Him, do to change our world?
No matter what you’re facing in the year ahead, take confidence in these promises.
- You’re not alone. “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).
- God’s Grace will carry you. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- With God all things are possible. “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God’” (Luke 18:27).
May the Lord bless you and your family and increase your ministry in 2012!
And…Go Cards!
GJB
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Gary Blanchard
Assistant Superintendent &
Executive Secretary
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iLINK Articles by Assistant Supt.
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