Baseball season just began this past week. Ever since I was a kid, I was excited about the start of a new baseball season. Of all the sports that I follow, the beginning of baseball season is one of the most unique. There is a certain level of excitement with each team and their fans no matter the expectations that exist. From a preseason World Series favorite to a team that is viewed as a bottom of the barrel team, there is a certain level of optimism that abides with teams and fans. There is hope that things will be better moving forward. While there is hope early on, things change as the season progresses. Fans of teams who are not winning tend to lose hope as the season goes on.

As Christians, there is a hope that no matter our circumstances, things will be better in the future. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  When we read this verse how can we not be optimistic? God has plans for each of us. He will use each of us in ways we knew we were capable of and ways we did not know we were capable of overall. While we are told that we have hope, we are told to withstand any obstacle we face and be continuous in prayer. Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” No matter the circumstances, we should not lose our hope in that God has plans for us.

Several fans across the world have hope that their favorite baseball team will accomplish the goals set before them. Through Christ, we have a hope for eternal life. That is a hope that is built to last.