KEEP SWINGING

Sometimes in life, we feel like we’re up against impossible odds. We’ve given it our all, but the breakthrough seems far off. We’re like a baseball player who keeps swinging but can’t seem to hit that home run. It’s in those moments that we need to dig deep, trust in God’s plan, and remember that victory might be just one swing away.

Last Saturday, with the parishioners of Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Armenian Church we had a day out at the ballpark to watch the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals are a team that knows something about perseverance. Back in 2011, nobody expected them to make it far. They barely made it into the playoffs, facing setback after setback. The odds were stacked against them, and many had written them off.

In the World Series that year, the Cardinals found themselves down to their final strike—not once, but twice. It looked like their dream of winning the championship was over. But they didn’t give up. They kept swinging. And in the bottom of the ninth, when all hope seemed lost, they hit a game-tying triple. Then, in the eleventh inning, they did the unthinkable—they won the game! The very next day, they went on to win the World Series.

Friends, I don’t know what kind of challenges you’re facing today. Maybe it feels like you’re down to your last strike. But let me encourage you: Keep swinging! Just like the Cardinals, your victory could be just one more step of faith away.

In James 1:12, the Bible tells us, ” Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” God has a crown of victory waiting for you, but you’ve got to keep going. You’ve got to keep believing. You’ve got to keep swinging.

So, keep your eyes on the prize, and remember that God’s promises are sure. He is faithful to bring you through every trial, and when you do, you’ll look back and see that every swing you took was leading you to victory.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
August 22, 2024