The shining star for the Houston Astros is Jose Altuve. Many consider Altuve to be the best player in baseball. He led the American League with a batting average of .346. He also had 32 stolen bases and 24 home runs.
One of the amazing things about Altuve is his size. He is listed at 5 feet, 6 inches. The last time that a major leaguer has been his height was over 30 years ago, Freddy Patek of the Kansas City Royals.
When Altuve first tried out for the Astros, he was sent away. He didn’t make it past the tryout camp. But he persisted and persisted. He was finally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Astros in 2006, and was called up to the major leagues in July of 2011.
You know, determination means everything. It really does.
One of the greatest baseball coaches of all time, Tommy Lasorda, said, “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.”
The New Testament affirms, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.” (Colossians 3:23) The writer of Ecclesiastes said, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
When I watch the playoffs this week, I will be looking for Jose Altuve. I will be pulling for him and, of course, the Astros.
My prayer today is that God will give me determination like that. May God give all of us that inner strength that refuses to give up, in spite of the our circumstances. Determination means everything.