Batter Up: Baseball as a Metaphor for Spiritual Growth 

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Memories of my hometown baseball field remain strong as I remember my first big-girl job at the age of 12. Working the concession stands filled my summer days as I served nachos and candy bars to hungry players between innings. These sights and sounds have stuck with me, as I recall the beautiful Kansas sunsets framing those long-ago baseball games. In the game of life, baseball can be a metaphor for spiritual growth. As we bravely step up to the plate, we don’t know exactly what the outcome will be, but each up-to-bat scenario is an opportunity to learn, grow, and persevere.

3 Baseball Metaphors for Spiritual Growth

1. The Walk 

Playing softball as a kid was one of the highlights of my summer, and while I was prepared to hit the ball, I always welcomed opportunities to walk. Those moments felt like an easy pass to me— permission to move forward—one step closer to home plate. 

In baseball, walks are indicators of two of the most important skills in the game: the pitcher’s control and the hitter’s eye. In some instances, the pitcher walks a batter intentionally as part of their strategy. 

Spiritually speaking, growth happens when we remain in-step with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to cultivate patience and self-control. It’s not always easy but waiting for God’s signal before moving forward establishes deeper trust. And keeping our eyes on Jesus helps us determine whether to take a swing or let the ball pass.  

In the New King James Version, Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, 
a time for every purpose under heaven.” Just as walks occur in baseball, spiritual growth-steps occur in God’s timing. Walking in the Spirit produces more self-control, and keeping your eyes on Jesus leads to home plate. 

2. The Strike 

When I was a pitcher for my junior high softball team, my coach taught me to deliver a slow, high-arc pitch that often took the batter off guard. Each time the umpire yelled “strike,” I’d get an approving nod from the sidelines and a rush of adrenaline for the next pitch.  

Up to bat, however, hearing that dreaded word was like fingernails on a chalkboard. I didn’t want to let down my team. Striking out seemed like the worst-case scenario. 

Of course, strikeouts in life are inevitable. We fall short, miss the mark, and sometimes fail. But instead of letting these moments define us, we can let them grow us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Metaphorically speaking, this involves going back to the dugout, rethinking our approach, and looking to the Coach for direction.  

In James 1:12, we read, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” 

I love the illustrative nature of this passage as it highlights the importance of persevering under trial, enduring for the sake of Christ for a game-changing outcome. Spiritual growth occurs most when we’ve been under pressure. 

3. The Hit 

One of the most memorable moments in baseball history took place during the 1988 World Series. In the bottom of the 9^th inning, the Los Angeles Dodgers needed a miracle to pull out a win against the Oakland Athletics. With Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley on the mound to close out the game, the odds against LA were huge, especially with two outs already recorded.  

But Dodger’s manager Tommy Lasorda made the bold decision to put the injured Kirk Gibson in as a pinch hitter. Gibson was dealing with injuries to both legs at the time, greatly hampering his ability to play. Hobbling to the plate with a man on first, Gibson worked the count to 3-2, fouling off three pitches in the process. On the seventh pitch of the at bat, with marked determination, Gibson hit the ball over the fence of Dodger Stadium, crushing a walk-off homerun.  

Maybe you feel hampered in your faith, but God still says to you, “Batter up. Let’s go.” No matter the limitations you’re facing, God gives you the strength. Remember Isaiah 40:29-31, which says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” 

For Further Reflection on Spiritual Growth

Listen now to a short segment of this Abide meditation that I wrote based on Isaiah 40:31. Let God speak to your heart about renewing your strength and experiencing spiritual growth. 

When you’re up to bat, not sure of what the outcome will be, keep your eyes on Jesus for the ultimate win. Then, whether you walk to first base, strike out, or hit a homerun, you’ll recognize opportunities for spiritual growth in God’s game plan for life. 

Let Abide be your daily companion on your journey of spiritual growth. Our more than 1500 daily meditations, like the one above, all exist to help you grow closer to God and experience His peace. Use this link for 25% off a premium subscription, giving you access to our entire libray of content. 

Jennifer Waddle is an author, speaker, and mentor for Christian women. She can be found online at EncouragementMama.com, a place where discouragement doesn’t win!