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 who 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, which 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.”

John 21 – Overcoming Failure

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 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.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – But He [Jesus] said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set by His own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and even the end of the Earth.” Acts 1:7-8 LSB

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Peter Fumbled