The Atlanta Braves

Well, last night, the Atlanta Braves were eliminated from the MLB playoffs - again. It isn't anything unusual; I should be getting used to it. However, when it is your team, the team you root for, you always want them to win. If you are a Braves fan (or a Cowboys fan, which I am), you know that there will be disappointments.

The Braves finished with the second best record in baseball, and, again, they are eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. They seem to have a propensity for doing really well during the season and really struggling during the post season. I think we all have those same difficulties at times. We are doing well, going strong, but we relax a little thinking we have accomplished our goal. But, we haven't finished until the end - we have to keep going.

Now, some folks would give up on their team if they kept getting disappointed. I am not giving up on the Braves or the Cowboys or the Crimson Tide, they are my teams. They may disappoint me but they are my teams. There is no room for giving up on something when that something is yours.

Today's word is from Job 17:9, NIV, which reads, "The righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger." To which I add, Stand strong, GOD is on your side.

When things are going bad is not the time to give up, it is the time to bow up. When things are headed south is not the time to jump off, it is the time to jump in. When things are going sour is not the time to split, it is the time to stay. If you truly believe in something, you will hold to it. The scripture above tells us that the righteous will hold to their ways. Followers of JESUS won't abandon ship just because the waters get a little rough, they batten down the hatches and hold on.

The scripture also tells us that if we will keep ourselves in GOD'S will, we will get stronger. Need some strength? Need some staying power? Need to dig your heels in? Stick with GOD - He will strengthen you. And, who knows, the Braves or the Cowboys may figure out how to win in the playoffs eventually. If they don't, though, I will stand strong. More importantly, I will stand strong with GOD Who gives me strength.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T