Not This Time

Last week about this time everyone was questioning whether Atlanta was choke city again in our sports history, specifically the Braves. Would 28-3 happen again, would we blow another 3-1 lead to the Dodgers. I pondered this and thought Not This Time.

They were playing at home where they were undefeated in postseason play, the fans would not let them lose I thought, and this team believes they can win.  It started as a turnaround in San Diego where they came from behind with impossible odds to win, and was further recognized in dispatching the Phillies and Brewers. They knew they could win.

How do we know we can win? Have we had experiences where we have? If you are an addict have you ever won? Or if you consider yourself a loser, what will it take for you to win? The answer may shock you in its simplicity....it takes a wonderful Hebrew word, Chutzpah. The definition: extreme self-confidence or audacity. Simple, but it takes allowing ourselves to take a risk to achieve it. Like doing something we have never done before - like getting sober for instance.

David developed chutzpah by what happened to him as a shepherd. He killed the lion and bear with his bare hands, he knew the power of God was with him. When confronted by Kind Saul about this you must admire his audacity - basically he said I will do the same thing to the Philistine (Goliath) that I did to the lion and bear, The Lord who saved me from the lion and bear will save me from this Philistine. No matter the odds, David knew he could accomplish what everyone else thought was impossible. Later he said to Goliath:

Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. 

What he knew is the difference between our false bravado and real chutzpah - God and a relationship with him that builds the confidence for our wins in life, notice he said the Lord will conquer you, and then I will get the win. Will the Braves win the World Series? Will you get clean and sober?

I don't know for sure, but He does. In both cases though, I believe it will happen, As David said to Goliath in so many words, you're not winning this time Giant, ​Not This Time!