Dave Dravecky was on top of the world—and why not? On August 10, 1989 the pitcher for the San Francisco Giants had made a spectacular comeback from what seemed to be a career-ending cancer surgery on his throwing arm. The crowd responded with standing ovation after standing ovation.[1]
Five days later he was on the hill again. This time as he uncoiled his delivery the force of the pitching motion snapped his humerus bone. Dravecky fell in anguish. The cancer had returned. In less than two years his arm, shoulder, and All Star career were gone.
Looking at Dave Dravecky’s troubles it is easy to say: “THAT’S NOT FAIR!” Dravecky would be the first to tell you, “Don’t believe that lie!” God never promised life would be fair. No, God’s promise is far better.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:28-32 ESV)
When life is not fair it is good to know that God is faithful. His faithful love carries us through life’s troubles: cancer, heartache, mistreatment, accidents, surgeries, bum raps, fears, and failures. He is faithful to take the bad and turn it into a good!
Do you have that “it’s just not fair” feeling? You are right! Life is not fair, but God is faithful! He will take your troubles and turn them into good. Just ask Dave Dravecky.
FOCAL POINT: It’s baseball season. When you see a diamond, watch a game, or check a score remember that life is not fair, but God is faithful.
[1] Out Of Reach, The Dave Dravecky Story. Web: www.sportsthenandnow.com. Accessed April 4, 2010.