Stay in the Game

At my son's baseball game, I watch the pitcher as he struggles. No outs, bases loaded and he feels the pressure to fix it, to do better, to save the moment...win the game. With every pitch he looks to the coach begging with scared eyes to be pulled from the mound. But his coach won't pull him out, instead he tells him you can do it and you have to learn to push through these tough moments.

 

That's when I heard God. When I feel the pressure to do more, to be better and I want to give up, not because I can't do a thing but because I just don't want to. It's these moments though that make us stronger, wiser, better. I don't always understand why when it seems there has to be someone better equipped but He's leaving me in the game anyways. Deep down I know its not about this one game, about getting the win. It's about me and Him, about my character and our relationship. Glory to glory. I want to win the game but if I don't, He'll be just as proud of me. I'll have learned a little more about who I am and a lot more about who God is.

 

God allows us to go through difficult circumstances to change and prepare us. To need Him so desperately and intensely that nothing else will satisfy that longing. This challenges us to reach the next glory and become mature, lacking nothing. Learning to yield to His voice, His Spirit within us positions us for action and for the next promotion. God doesn't care as much about your circumstances as much as He cares about your character. Until we have proven we can be trusted with little, He won't give us any more. I can't be the starting pitcher if I can't handle one inning.

 

Father God, forgive me for my doubt and laziness, for not wanting to try harder when I know I can because I'm scared of failing. You deserve the best version of me! Help me Lord to not only hear your voice but to follow it completely. Make me brave for the blessings you have for me and make me worthy of the calling I have received according to your perfect will. Thank you for loving me enough to not only have a great plan for my life but for helping me through it all. I love you! Amen.