April 28, 2025
When he was 70, the legendary major league baseball player Ty Cobb was asked by a reporter, “What do you think you would hit if you were playing in this era?” The Royston, Georgia native, who had a career average of .367, told the reporter, “About .290, maybe .300.” Thinking he understood the answer, the interviewer replied, “That’s because of the travel, the night games, the artificial turf, and all the new pitches like the slider, right?” Cobb quickly retorted, “No, it’s because I’m 70.”
Certainly, confidence, along with talent and tenacity, helped make Cobb one of the greatest baseball players of all time. One of the keys to top performance in any field or endeavor is confidence. I don’t claim to have made it to that level myself, but I’ve met many who have (mainly in business and sports), and they all have one thing in common: confidence.
Confidence plays a key role in the realm of faith as well. And it’s not so much having it as it is where you’re placing it. In his letter to the Phlippians, Paul talked about the futility of placing one’s confidence in the “flesh.” By flesh, he meant his natural accomplishments, abilities, and righteousness. While these certainly matter, they pale in comparison to the supernatural - putting our confidence in Christ and the presence of His Spirit in us.
The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him” (Jeremiah 17:7, NIV). Scripture also says, “Do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward” (Hebrews 10:35, NASB). The idea here is that of frightened soldiers throwing down their shields and retreating from battle rather than facing the enemy head-on. Due to their faith, the original recipients of these words were facing intense persecution. The author, therefore, encouraged them to stand firm and remain strong.
Whatever you may be facing, don’t allow Satan to weaken your resolve or steal your joy. Whether in this life, or the one to come, “great reward” awaits those who endure to the end.
I love stories about our former presidents, especially this one about Teddy Roosevelt, a man of considerable confidence. Among many talents and abilities was his singing ability. He had a great voice and loved using it.
He once told friends how much he was looking forward to heaven because he anticipated a massive choir singing there. “Why,” he exclaimed, “in my mind’s eye I can picture it. There will be 10,000 sopranos.” He went on to list some of the great sopranos of his time. “And 10,000 altos and 10,000 tenors,” again naming some of the best singers of the day. “It’s going to be tremendous.” “But Mr. President,” someone asked, “what about the basses?” “Oh,” said the President with a chuckle, “I’m going to sing bass!”
While he was obviously being facetious, you have to admire Teddy for his assurance. I’m sure it came in handy in his years on the battlefield and in politics. That said, one must also consider: “It’s great to believe in oneself, but don’t be too easily convinced.”
Do be convinced, however, that God loves you and desires to be there for you every step of the way. As the Word says, “The Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught’ (Proverbs 3:26, NASB).
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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
