Praise God or Curse Him?

Today, I found myself reflecting on a quote by legendary coach Bobby Knight: "Most people have the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win." In searching for more of his wisdom, I came across another statement of his that struck me in a different way:

"I watched the guy that hits a home run, and he comes across the plate and he points skyward, like thanking for the help from the Almighty to hit the home run. And as he does that, I say to myself, 'God screwed the pitcher.' And I don't know how else you look at it."

It made me wonder: Why do we praise God for success but rarely acknowledge Him in failure? If He is present in our victories, is He not also there in our struggles?

A Higher Plan for Everyone

In Alcoholics Anonymous, we celebrate those who achieve long-term sobriety, yet we often sit silently as someone "goes in and out" of the program. Does this mean that God's plan is different for one person than another? I am neither a philosopher nor a theologian, but I can speak from my own experience.

I was given many chances to change my alcoholic behavior—three arrests, countless warnings from friends and family, and employers questioning my lack of performance. Yet, it wasn’t until I felt completely alone and broken that I experienced my God shock. The truth is, God was always there; I was simply too prideful to notice.

The Power of Giving Back

AA’s Responsibility Statement reminds us: "I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: I am responsible." This principle teaches that in giving back, we keep what we have gained. By showing up, taking commitments, and encouraging others—even those who stumble repeatedly—we carry the message and, in doing so, strengthen our own sobriety.

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the loving presence that supports both the batter and the pitcher, the sober and the struggling. This journey is not about winning or losing; it is about growing, learning, and finding oneness in Him. Our role is to have faith, hope, and love—to open our hearts and minds to those who are suffering. True strength lies in being the teammate who lifts others, rather than the star seeking glory. In scripture, this person is best represented by the Good Samaritan—one who gives without expectation.

Scriptural Foundations

The Bible and Latter-day Saint scripture reinforce these principles:

• "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2
  Carrying the message and supporting others in recovery is a way of fulfilling this commandment.

• "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." — Hebrews 13:16
  Giving back and sharing our experiences is a sacrifice that pleases God.

• "And charity suffereth long, and is kind... seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil... Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever." — Moroni 7:45-47
  Love, patience, and selflessness are key in both faith and recovery.

• "Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." — Doctrine and Covenants 81:5
  Our duty is to help and uplift those who struggle.

Final Thoughts

Life, like baseball, is unpredictable. Sometimes we hit home runs; other times, we strike out. But God is not a scorekeeper—He is the coach, the supporter, and the unwavering presence that guides us through every inning. Whether we are celebrating a win or comforting someone in their darkest moment, our role remains the same: to love, to serve, and to always extend a helping hand.

Let us not only praise God in victory but also trust Him in our trials, knowing that every experience—good or bad—brings us closer to Him.