Hank Aaron, a Baseball Hall of Famer and former home run king, passed away at age 86. His legacy includes many record-setting achievements on the field, but he was also known for his humility, kindness, perseverance, and grace. He passed Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record of 714 in 1974 while battling intense racial prejudice. As he closed in on Ruth’s record, Aaron received so much hate mail that the Braves had to hire a secretary to sort through it. Though he faced death threats, bigotry, and racist remarks, he was widely praised for the grace and dignity with which he handled them.

Throughout his career, Aaron was also a man of faith. “I need to depend on Someone who is bigger, stronger, and wiser than I am. I don’t do it on my own. God is my strength. He gave me a good body, some talent, and the freedom to develop it. He helps me when things go wrong. He forgives me when I fall on my face. He lights the way.”

Genesis 31–32 – Total Dependence

Hank Aaron was no stranger to a crisis, nor was Jacob in Genesis 32. Jacob was approaching a crisis he couldn’t handle on his own. Though he had often been a poor example of a man of God, he was still God’s man. God grew Jacob by showing him his powerlessness when he relied upon himself. The only way Jacob could produce lasting “fruit” was to rely totally upon God.

When Jacob learned that Esau was approaching with 400 men, he finally prayed one of the most fervent prayers of his life. Jacob got serious with God, confessed his unworthiness, prayed in harmony with God’s Word, and called upon God to fulfill His promise.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete take their relationship with the Lord seriously and acknowledge their unworthiness. They rely upon God’s strength and pray in harmony with His Word.