Sold Out

Billy Sunday was a world-class athlete, yet he gave it all up to serve God.

Sunday, born on this date in 1862, in Ames, Iowa, had a difficult childhood. His father died a month after his birth. When Billy was 13, circumstances forced his mother to send him to an orphanage, but Billy ran away two years later.

Moving back to Ames, he showed skill as a baseball player, and he signed a professional contract in 1883. His debut in the major leagues was a disaster, and he struck out his first 13 times at bat. Yet he was determined, eventually playing eight years in the majors and even setting several records.

Then Sunday laid aside all of these opportunities to focus on preaching the Gospel. He became famous for his dynamic preaching. He had a fiery passion to convict people of sin and convince them to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the Gospel. It is estimated that he spoke to more than 100 million people during his lifetime. Everywhere he went, lives were changed.

People in Emerson, Iowa, reported that “our little town has never witnessed such a transformation in its history.” The Bedford, Iowa, newspaper described how he held “audiences spellbound by his earnest preaching of Christ and Him crucified.” One eyewitness related how never before “has there been such a revival.”

In the days before radio and television, Billy Sunday could galvanize huge throngs. In Youngstown, Ohio, 80,000 people accepted Christ. In Columbus, Ohio, 181,000 were converted. In Philadelphia, 42,000. In Boston, 64,000. And in New York, 95,000.

The words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7 were chosen for his gravestone, for they reflected his deep commitment to Jesus Christ. Truly, he fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.

Today, God looks for people like Billy Sunday, who are sold out to Him. Dedicate yourself to serving Him and changing the world!