The Next Pitch

 by Macy Johnson

“Everyone who competes in the games

goes into strict training.

They do it to get a crown that will not last;

but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

(1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I enjoyed watching the 2026 NCAA Men’s College World Series Baseball Championship. The University of Oklahoma’s team defeated the University of North Carolina’s team in the final game.

 

Trevin Michael, who pitched for the University of Oklahoma’s baseball team in 2022, commented about his coach Skip Johnson, “It doesn't really matter what the score is; Skip just plays by the mentality of just trying to win one pitch at a time the whole game. And if you do that, you're probably going to win the game.”

 

Let go of the last pitch. Focus on the next pitch. One at a time. Sounds like sound advice straight from the Savior’s mouth.

 

Life is a game. Pitches are thrown and balls are hit out of reach. Phone calls interrupt and distractions need attention. There might be strikeouts and home runs. I dare not stop swinging the bat or running to catch the ball. I must stay committed to the game and listen to my Coach.

 

Like a ship that goes off course one degree at a time - if its course is not corrected, it will end up where it does not want to go. If I do not correct my course and stay on the path God has intended for me, I will end up somewhere away from Jesus, lost and alone. He always works my situation and circumstance to bring me back to Him. He’s got this!

 

I will compete in the game of life, fight the good fight, and always look for opportunities to win in God’s kingdom. I hope you will, too!