God's Coaching #198

God's Coaching #198

In the entire history of Major League Baseball, just over 50 players have strung together hitting streaks of 30 games or more. But in the summer of 1941, New York Yankees slugger Joe DiMaggio put on a hitting clinic. He hit safely in 56 straight games—an MLB record!

Joe started the streak against the Chicago White Sox on May 15. Over the next two months, Joe hit a blistering .408. He had 22 multihit games, 15 home runs, five three-hit games, and four four-hit games. But on this day in 1941, Joe’s streak came to an end. In a game against Cleveland, Joltin’ Joe went 0-for-3 at the plate. He even hit into a double play with the bases loaded. “I can’t say I’m glad it’s over,” Joe told reporters after the game. “Of course, I wanted it to go on as long as I could.”

What’s the Score?

Joe didn’t let that one bad game ruin the rest of his season. He hit safely in the next 16 games. At the end of the season, Joe won the American League Most Valuable Player award. When sports fans look back at Joe’s record, they think one thing: consistency. Joe brought a consistent intensity every time he stepped into the batter’s box. His 56 straight games with a hit totally eclipsed the old record of 45, which had been set by Willie Keeler from 1896 to 1897.

Consistency is also important in our relationship with Jesus. He wants us to consistently follow his commands. Of course we’ll make mistakes. But we shouldn’t let one bad day or bad decision mess up our walk with Christ. We need to ask forgiveness, put our mistake behind us, and push ahead. The longest chapter of the Bible, Psalm 119, encourages us to act consistently to reflect God’s laws. When our actions line up with God’s commands, we can be confident that we’re living the way he wants us to.

On the Ball

Doing anything 56 times in a row is difficult. Try batting a balloon in the air 56 times or throwing a ball in the air and catching it 56 times. Ask yourself if there’s anything you can do to help your actions consistently line up with God’s commands.

Coach’s Comment

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. Psalm 119:5-6