The most memorable promise by an athlete or coach is Babe Ruth’s in 1926 to a young Yankee fan, Johnny Sylvester. While he was recovering from a riding accident that resulted in 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 got word of Johnny’s illness. A few players signed a baseball for Johnny, but Babe Ruth inscribed more than just his signature. He penned his famous promise: “I’ll knock a homer for you in Wednesday’s game.”

Ruth delivered on his promise and hit three home runs to lead 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 with their words and then something completely different from their behaviors. They make promises but somehow don’t ever end up keeping them.

Hebrews 6 – Hope Anchored in Christ

Hebrews 6:13-20 reminds us God never makes promises without keeping them. God’s faithfulness should encourage all believers to have a solid hope anchored in what He has done on our behalf. It’s much more than an optimistic view of life. This hope doesn’t originate within us but comes from the outside. Here, our hope centers on the objective promises from God (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 soul in Jesus when facing the storms of life (6:19). Though the circumstances around them might change, they remain confident that God has a purpose for their trials, and they know He will keep His promises!