The most memorable promise by an athlete or coach is Babe Ruth’s 1926 pledge to a young Yankee fan, Johnny Sylvester. While recovering from a riding accident that led to a severe bone infection, Ruth promised to hit a home run for him. During a rain delay in Game Three of the World Series, the Yankees learned of Johnny’s illness. A few players signed a baseball for Johnny, but Babe Ruth went beyond his signature. He wrote his famous promise: “I’ll knock a homer for you in Wednesday’s game.”

Ruth delivered on his promise and hit three home runs, leading the Yankees to a 10-5 victory. Keeping promises in the sports world has become a problem at all levels. Many coaches often say one thing and then do something completely different in their behavior. They make promises but somehow never keep them.

Hebrews 6 – Our Hope

Hebrews 6:13-20 reminds us that God never makes promises without keeping them. God’s faithfulness should encourage all believers to hold fast to a solid hope anchored in what He has done for us. This hope is much more than an optimistic view of life. It doesn’t originate within us but comes from outside. Here, our hope centers on God’s objective promises (6:18). Jesus Christ is the foundation and substance of our hope. He is the reason for our eternal optimism!

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete anchor their souls in Jesus amid life’s storms (6:19). Though the circumstances around them may change, they remain confident that God has a purpose for their trials and that He will keep His promises!

Bible Memory Verse – “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Promise Keepers

Our featured book this week is The Surrendered Christian Athlete (The Ultimate Victory in Sport) by Brant Tolsma. Click HERE to review. 

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