I’m a pretty big baseball fan, and before COVID-19, I would typically go to five or ten Angel games every year. A while back, I remember one night in particular when my team was just getting obliterated. It was the seventh inning and they were down by three or four points, so some people, in an effort to avoid a traffic jam in the parking lot, got up and left. As hundreds of fans poured out of the stadium, I was becoming annoyed and vowed that I would stay until the very end. At that point, I was rooting harder than ever for the Angels to make a strong comeback, and sure enough, in the ninth inning, they completely rebounded and won the game! After their unexpected victory, the crowd was electric, and massive cheers broke out, followed by fireworks. I remember thinking to myself right then how much the spectators who left early missed out on, and I suddenly saw a strong parallel between that night’s game and life.

My friend, like baseball, life unfolds in a series of innings, and each one has its own set of plays and circumstances. Though it’s easy to feel defeated when you’re not moving ahead, the key is to never give up! In this unprecedented season, even if it seems like you’re making no forward progress, remember that Heaven’s stands are full of faithful witnesses cheering you on to the finish line. In the light and strength of the Alpha and Omega, you will emerge from this time positioned for greater victory. Don’t give up your miracle by getting ahead of God; He’s working in you today to cultivate everything you need to step up to the plate and hit even more home runs for His Kingdom!