From 1991–2005 the Braves were one of the most successful franchises in baseball, winning division titles an unprecedented 14 consecutive times in that period (omitting the strike-shortened season in 1994, in which there were no official division champions). The Braves won the NL West 1991–93 and the NL East 1995–2005. The Braves advanced to the World Series five times in the 1990s, winning the title in 1995. If you've followed the Atlanta Braves you know that their seasons have been up and down since 2005 - mostly down since they won the World Series. For the past couple of years they haven't done very much at all. But this year, they are winning their division and are one of the top teams in the league. That didn't happen by accident, but that's not the point I want to make. The fact is, it happened. They're winning again and in contention for the pennant.
We will all go thru seasons of ups and downs, winning and losing. A losing season may tell us that it's time to start over, but it doesn't tell us it's time to quit. If you've suffered some setbacks, that doesn't mean that your best days are forever behind you. There's a big season right around the corner.
Peter reminded his readers of the great rewards to come, and said, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." He reminded his readers that trials and troubles are cyclical, but the promises of God are permanent.
Remember Peter's words: "for a little while..." If you're where the Braves were in 2007, look at where they are now. This can be you. You may be struggling in certain areas now, but those struggles are temporary. You'll experience a turn around, because God's promises are forever.
Obedience pays off. It works. It pleases God, it benefits you, it blesses others. These are the rewards for obedience.
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