Do you ever wonder how David Ortiz of the Red Sox does it? As of 2016 his career average is .286. He’s hit 541 home runs and has 1768 runs batted in. But even “Big Papi” has his bad days.

He was traded by Seattle. Back in 1999 he spent most of the season playing Triple A. Then in 2002 Minnesota general manager Terry Ryan decided to release Ortiz rather than let him go before a salary arbitration hearing. That’s got to hurt.

Life is like that. Sometimes you’re hitting grand slams and other days you’re striking out.

Lately life has been more strikeouts than grand slams. It’s at these times that I am drawn deeper into the Word and immerse myself more in worship time at church. There is a song we sing whose title escapes me, but here are some of the lyrics:

The rains fall down on the just and the unjust,
Blessings will come as they may.
Through it all, I will keep my eyes toward you,
Jesus you anchor my days.

We are not promised a life without trials. But we know that God protects us, cares for us, and loves us always. When that curveball comes our way, faith is the only thing that can see us through. Maybe during those early days of his career Ortiz wondered if he had what it takes to be a major league hitter. Just like there are days those curveballs can leave us with doubts. When we keep our eyes on God, however, our trials become more manageable. And even in the midst of trials, there are blessings to be found.

My prayer for anyone struggling right now is that you feel the loving hand of God in your life. That you not be afraid to call out to Him whose mercy and goodness shall follow you all your days.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)