Of Baseball, Pain, Hope & Class

Quite often a news story hits the papers (in this case, the Internet) that makes for a good sermon illustration. Usually, I’ll make a copy and put it in a file to use at a later date. This week, however, a story hit that is timely to many of my friends and members of my congregation. As a consequence, I’m not going to wait for an appropriate sermon to use this illustration.

Wedge Fired

The Cleveland Indians fired their manager, Eric Wedge, this week. Most of us saw it coming. This has been a long, hard, discouraging season for die-hard Tribe fans. This season has refreshed the painful memories of the Indian teams of my youth.

The highlight of the season

The best play of the year by a Cleveland Indian happened this week on Wednesday. And although it was the best play of the year, it won’t make the ESPN highlights. Eric Wedge met the media for fourteen minutes and hit a grand slam.

I am amazed by the grace Eric Wedge is displaying during the lowest point of his professional career. I have been challenged by his courage and class. Sports writer, Terry Pluto, who is no supporter of Wedge, summarized Wedge’s posture this way: “He was at his best in a situation that can bring out the worst in people.”

Wedge's press conference after being fired

Your best in situations

that usually bring out the worst

A lot of my friends reading these words today are going through tough times. Some of you are out of work. Some are battling cancer. Some are trying to piece back together a marriage. Some are just tired and beaten down by a number of circumstances. My prayer list is long, and if you are reading this, there is a good chance you are on it.

I want to challenge you, however, to realize that it is in your most adverse circumstance that your character and witness shine the brightest. As your family, friends and co-workers see your faith in the middle of your trial they take notice. They see authentic faith. More importantly, they see your Father who loves you and is committed to seeing you through this trial.

Anyone can have hope and faith during the sunny days of life. But, you do your greatest teaching and leading when you do so from an adverse situation. People will see Jesus more clearly in your life as they watch you during the storms of life. Your pain won’t last forever, but the lessons you’ve learned and taught during your pain will.

I want to encourage you to embrace your pain. Squeeze out of it every lesson your Father has for you. Pray that you will look more like Jesus coming out of this than you did going in. Put your face into the wind and press on hard. You are not alone. He will see you through. As He does, He will use you more than you can imagine.

Game on.