Few athletes have faced adversity like Jackie Robinson. He became famous for breaking baseball’s color barrier, but it is often overlooked how his faith helped him persevere through his trials and become a more mature Christian. When Branch Rickey picked Robinson to join his Dodger baseball team, it is doubtful that either of them could imagine the courage it would take to overcome the racism Robinson would face.

Lee Lowenfish, in Branch Rickey: Baseball’s Ferocious Gentleman, wrote, “There was a deep-rooted bond that was formed between Robinson and Rickey based on an intense personal religion—they both shared the same faith tradition. Robinson and Rickey were genuine Christians in their concern for their fellow human beings. What kept Robinson from lashing out at the vile taunts from the stands? Lowenfish said, although Robinson’s first response would always be to go on the attack with vile insults, Rickey convinced him that ‘turning the other cheek’ and playing as hard and well as he could was the best response.”

2 Thessalonians 1 – Endure Well

Jackie Robinson endured suffering that would eventually cultivate spiritual maturity in his life. This is precisely the lesson Paul wants the Thessalonians to understand as they begin to ask more questions about Jesus’ second coming in chapter 1.

In the first section (1:1-12), Paul answers, “Why are we suffering?” While we often don’t want to hear it, suffering is part of God’s plan to mature us in the faith so we will bear spiritual fruit and become more like Christ. Paul praises their perseverance and reminds them that God will see them through this difficult time. Some of the Thessalonians had misunderstood the reason for their suffering. They had wrongly concluded that they must be in the middle of the Tribulation. Paul ensured they understood the crucial principle that persevering through affliction develops maturity.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete understand that God is all-powerful, loving, and just. They believe that pain and suffering will not last because God has promised the ultimate victory through God’s righteous judgment.

Bible Memory Verse – “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.”  2 Thessalonians 2:15 (LSB)

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