Stay on the Field
Don't stop praying Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. Romans 12:12
I watched a few games of the Little League World Series this year. What excitement filled that ballfield. From all over the world they came to watch their sons (and daughters) play baseball. It was electrifying! Some coaches were yelling with wise guidance and some were just yelling. My heart went out to the recipients of the cold, demanding put-downs.
Would these children ever return to the field? Would they dare miss another chance to hit a home run? Could they possibly recover from the scathing, angry words of the coaches that had brought them to this moment? Sounds to me like the basis for PTSD!
What happens when our hopes are shaken or even shattered into itsy-bitsy pieces? Do we isolate? Become angry? Bitter? Do we hang our heads and/or quit? We might be able to quit the project or task, but we certainly can’t entertain thoughts of quitting life.
Stay on the field or at least in the batter’s box! Even when the umpire screams “OUT!” Regardless of who may say what, or what happens around us, we are to stay invested. Life happens and there are unexpected twists and turns. Yes, there will be moments of emotional anguish during our days, but God’s love and compassion are still present even when we don’t feel it.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
In God’s Word, there are many promises. When the enemy sneers and tells us, “You’re no good!” “You’ll never get it right!” “What made you ever think you could pull that off?” Take a stand on a hope-filled promise.
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you (Isaiah 54:10).
Now the choice is yours. There are only two options: stay in the game, practice and improve your skills, or quit and walk away.
Gracious Father, thank You for sticking with us when we are ready to quit. Thank You for all Your true and loving promises. Give us the strength to finish this race for You. AMEN.