Batter Up!!
We’ve all been summoned to the plate of our calling.
In this game called life we’ve been preparing for opportunites of our calling as long as we can remember; or maybe the opportunity has been waiting for us to prepare just as long.
Either way, you’re on deck and the umpire is kicking up a dust storm in his loud and obnoxious impatience,
Batter Up!!
Your fans have been filling up the stands in their support of you for years during the spring chill and summer heat, cheering and encouraging the truth that
“you were truly born for this.”
From the dugout watching the other players you doubt yourself until it’s your time at bat.
You question what God has called you to do.
“Have I prepared enough for my inning?
Have I prepared at all?
Am I ready to face the fast pitch?
I have to be ready because”
When opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare.
John Wooden
Your inning has finally arrived.
It’s now or never.
Nervous or not.
Batter Up!
The crowds cheer you on to hit the ball out of the park.
God just wants you brave enough to take your place at the plate, to swing;
And keep on swinging.
Because in our lack, (albeit confidence, skill or ability),
Remembering when we are called,
God makes up the difference with
Just one swing of the bat.
We’ve all been called for great things.
The roster of greatness doesn’t find your name in the minors, the majors, or the big leagues though.
Roll call finds you in the perfect will of God for your life, where His plans of prosperity, hope and a future abounds.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
For the love of the game and team you have been chosen and called to,
Your eyes must be focused on the ball of your opportunities,
You must be diligent in the small plays,
Be a team player, be teachable; be coached in God’s wisdom,
Be willing to leave your base of comfort,
Or steel the next base if need be,
To round home and score a big win for the Kingdom,
That you might receive the game ball and prize God has prepared for you;
Receive the championship ring of His reward.
We’ve all been summoned to the plate of our calling.
In this unpredictable game there are the wins, the defeats.
Assuredly, we will be hit by the fast pitch of our losses, the strike outs.
Yet we will celebrate sliding into home for the winning run if we faithfully remain in the game for God.
We must be brave enough to take our place at the plate, to swing;
And keep on swinging.
To face our fears, our lack, (albeit confidence, skill or ability),
Remembering when we are called,
God makes up all the difference with
Just one swing of the bat.
Apples of Gold Encouragement 