One of my favorite numbers is 2632.  Why you ask?

Lacking extraordinary natural ability, Cal Ripken, Jr. excelled due to hard work and attention to fundamentals.  He did the little things right, and he did them consistently. Cal played his entire 20-year career with the Baltimore Orioles.

From May 30, 1982 until September 19, 1998, Cal played in 2632 consecutive games.  This feat eclipsed Lou Gehrig’s previous record by 502 games and earning him the nickname The Iron Man. Undoubtedly over the course of the streak, Cal played a few days when he just didn’t “feel like” playing.

Ripken’s baseball achievement should inspire us toward a spiritual achievement. We can be spiritually what Cal Ripken was athletically.

We will need to pay careful attention to the fundamentals of faith and spiritual development. And we will have to do the little things right and do them consistently. That even includes times when we don’t feel like it, or when it seems not to accomplish anything.  We must remain faithful even when tempted to give in or give up.   Paul encouraged Timothy to be ready in season and out of season.

Can Jesus count on us every day to be ready to go when the day starts? Does  our opponent – the devil – know that we do not plan to make it easy on him?

With His help and by His grace, we can be God’s IRON MAN.

Have you found yourself taking a few days off spiritually?  Get off the bench and reconnect with the Lord today.  Ask Him to reignite your hunger for Him and His work in your life.  What are you waiting on?

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. – I Corinthians 15:58