UNPACK This...Classic Sports Movies and Timeless TruthSýnishorn

The Sandlot

The Sandlot movie captures the essence of what it’s like to be a kid in the summer. Categorized as a baseball movie, it’s also about friendship, growing up, and getting into trouble.

The story centers around “Smalls” moving into the neighborhood and trying to fit in with the other boys while learning to play baseball.

Smalls ends up taking a baseball signed by Babe Ruth from his stepdad’s office without realizing its significance. After the ball gets hit over the fence where a scary dog, “the beast,” lives, the boys tell him about Babe Ruth’s legendary career, and Smalls realizes he has to get it back before his stepdad finds out that it is gone.

Thankfully, the leader of the group, Benny Rodriguez, has a dream where Babe Ruth speaks to him and says, “Let me tell you something, kid. Everybody gets one chance to do something great. Most people never take the chance, either ’cause they’re too scared … or they don’t recognize it when it spits on their shoes.”

The next day, Benny jumps over that fence, faces his fears, and saves the summer!

Fear is always attempting to creep into our thoughts, and we tend to worry about what’s on the “other side of the fence.” However, until we jump over it, we’re allowing fear to hold us back.

Thankfully, as followers of Jesus, we have strength available to help us step out in faith. In these moments we can remember the following two verses:

“The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (Psalm 27:1).

Today, let’s not be consumed with fear, but cling to the comforting words of Jesus: “’Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’” (John 14:27).

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that fear often holds me back. Please give me peace and confidence to go for the things You are calling me to do. I need Your strength and power to overcome my fears. In Jesus’ name, Amen.