UNPACK This...About WaitingSample

The Epic Rain Delay During Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, there was a brief rain delay before the memorable finish. With the Chicago Cubs tied with the Cleveland Indians 6-6 at the bottom of the 9th inning, Cubs outfielder, Jason Heyward, rallied his teammates into the weight room for a fire-up session. Cubs catcher, Willson Contreras, described what took place: “He looked at us and told us we were all winners. He said, ‘I’m so proud of you guys. We’re not giving up. We’re playing Game 7 and we’re going to win it.’” Following the game, Heyward said, “I know that that was just the perfect situation for it to happen. It worked out that way. We’re always looking forward, as a group collectively, to help stay positive. The rain stopped the game for us, and we just needed a brief moment to kind of collect ourselves and be reminded of who we are.” Putting a positive spin on the rain delay propelled the Cubs to score two runs in the 10th inning and win Game 7 of the World Series. They saw the value of the storm and were glad it took place. Most of us don’t like "rain delays" in life, but if we believe God is in control and uses challenging circumstances to grow our character and deepen our faith, we can learn to see the importance of them. The Bible says in Psalm 27:14 (NLT), "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." The Cubs found themselves not only in the "weight room" for a pep talk but the “wait room” during a rain delay of an epic World Series. Waiting for play to resume prompted a positive shift in the team, which led to a remarkable victory and purpose for the delay. Today as we wait on the Lord, let's embrace the delays we often face. While patiently placing our trust in Jesus to get us through the storms in life, let's believe we’ll be even stronger after they pass. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know You are in control. Please help me to wait patiently for You to purposefully work in me and my circumstances…and find joy in the rain delays of life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. For more sports and faith devotionals, visit unpackinit.com