Play-by-Play: John (3/3)Sample

The Ultimate Comeback

When former New York Mets superstars Dwight “Doc” Gooden and Darryl Strawberry were good, they were great. Their stories were told in the 30 for 30 Doc & Darryl documentary. They were the amazing young guns that became the biggest stars on the New York Mets 1986 World Series championship team. The documentary details both the rise and fall of their careers that broke the hearts of Mets fans. They went from being sure Hall of Famers to prisoners with addictions.

For Strawberry, much of his life has been an endless series of short-lived comebacks. However, he finally found lasting redemption and restoration in Jesus Christ. When asked about his months in prison, Strawberry stressed that the most important thing for people to understand is that “brokenness is real” and it is a spiritual thing. “I am glad everything that happened to me because had it not, I probably would have made another $50 million playing baseball but I would have never met Jesus,” Strawberry explained. “That would have kept me separated. That would have kept me in a lifestyle of thinking that I have it all together.”

Moral failure really hurts a Christian. Undoubtedly, Strawberry must have felt like he was not good for anything after his many moral collapses. Peter would have been considered one of the top disciples when he joined Jesus. Yet, after he failed in the courtyard during Jesus’ trials, he probably felt like a lot like Daryl Strawberry. Fortunately, the answer to overcoming failure is found in John 21.

Peter had returned to fishing after Jesus was crucified. When Jesus later appeared, He helped Peter see how he needed to depend on Him. It became clear how powerless he was before when he was proud and self-confident. The Lord rescued Peter from his despair. It’s common in sports to be either fired or demoted with no hope. But not in the kingdom of God. God can break us to remake us.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete recognize failure is inevitable. However, they are confident the Lord is never surprised when they fail. They know their future is secure with Him despite their defeats.

H.E.A.R.

As you read today’s chapter, journal using the H.E.A.R method:

H (Highlight) - What stands out to you? If something stands out to you, it’s likely God pulling you toward a certain portion of scripture.

E (Explain) - Describe in context the text. Ask questions like: Why was this written? To whom was it originally written? How does this fit with the verses before and after? Why did the Holy Spirit include this passage in the book?

A (Apply) - How do you take this verse beyond the page? Ask questions like: How can this help me? What does this mean today? What would the application of this verse look like in my life? What is God saying to me?

R (Respond) - This is where you will write a measurable response to the truth God revealed. Maybe it will be a call to action, something you will change in the coming week. Maybe it will be a prayer asking God to help you work this truth into your life. Whichever, make sure it is measurable so you can hold yourself accountable in your growth as a disciple.