The Story of Tommy John: A Legendary Comeback
The title of my series is The Comeback Kid, and today, I want to start with a powerful story from baseball. The image you see on the screen is of a pitcher who had an incredible curveball. In 1968, he made the All-Star team and posted an outstanding 1.98 earned run average. That’s pretty impressive for those who know baseball.
Later, he was traded to the Dodgers, where he had an impressive 16-7 record and went on to enjoy 12 solid years in the major leagues. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he suffered what was then considered a career-ending injury—a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his elbow in the early 1970s. Back then, such an injury meant the end of a pitcher’s career.
But then came Frank Jobe, a surgeon who introduced a revolutionary procedure that would reattach the ligament and give athletes a chance to continue playing. Tommy John, the pitcher in question, underwent this pioneering surgery and made an unprecedented comeback. He went on to win 20 more games, finished second in the Cy Young Award voting, and continued playing for several more years. This was one of the greatest comebacks in Major League Baseball history, and today, the surgery is named after him—Tommy John Surgery.
The Power of Comebacks in Life and Faith
Comebacks aren’t just for baseball; they happen in every aspect of life—sports, business, and even faith. The Bible is full of stories of comebacks that show how God gives second chances. Today, we will explore one of the greatest comeback stories in the Bible: the story of Jonah.
Biblical Comebacks: Examples of Redemption
-Moses: He killed a man and ran away, but God wasn’t finished with him. He gave Moses another chance, and he led the Israelites out of Egypt.
-Simon Peter: He denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus gave him another chance, and he became one of the greatest leaders in the early church.
-Jonah: He ran as far away from God’s calling as possible, yet God still gave him another opportunity to fulfill his purpose.
Jonah’s Story: Running from God to Running with God
Jonah’s journey is one of the most extreme comebacks ever. He ran away from God’s call, ended up in the belly of a great fish, and thought his life was over. But when Jonah turned back to God, he was given another chance to fulfill his purpose. And he made the most of it!
Key Lessons from Jonah’s Comeback
-God’s Forgiveness Extends Beyond Jonah’s Sin
Jonah’s rebellion didn’t stop God from loving him. No matter how far we run or how badly we mess up, God’s forgiveness is always available.
-God’s Plan Was Bigger Than Jonah’s Failure
Jonah had his own plan, but God had a greater one. Even when Jonah messed up, God’s purpose for his life remained.
-God’s Wisdom Went Beyond Jonah’s Understanding
Jonah thought his story was over, but God had other plans. No matter how dark or hopeless a situation seems, God can turn it around.
How Jonah’s Story Applies to Us Today
-Step 1: Rise Up and Obey God’s Call
Jonah eventually got up and followed God’s direction. If you want to experience a comeback, you have to take action. You can’t stay where you are—you must move towards God’s calling.
-Step 2: Share God’s Truth Boldly
Jonah proclaimed God’s message to Nineveh, and the people listened. We have a calling to share God’s truth with others. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or coworker, you are the best person to share the message of Jesus with those in your life.
-Step 3: Believe in God’s Power to Transform Lives
The people of Nineveh repented and turned to God, and He forgave them. It’s never too late for someone to experience a comeback—God’s grace is always greater than our failures.
Your Personal Comeback Awaits
Maybe today, you feel like Jonah—far from God, burdened by past mistakes, unsure if a second chance is possible. The good news is that with God, anything is possible. Whether your struggle is financial, relational, emotional, or spiritual, God specializes in turning messes into miracles.
Take the Next Step
Recognize that God’s forgiveness is bigger than your failure.
Trust in God’s plan even when you don’t understand it.
Share what God has done in your life with others.
Comebacks aren’t just for baseball players or prophets—they’re for anyone willing to turn back to God. So no matter where you are in life, it’s never too late for your own comeback story to begin.
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