Play Ball
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I have got two boys playing in their semi-final playoff games today in the Rec. Fall baseball league. Both of them are struggling getting the bat on the ball, and it has gotten in their heads. I had a pretty stern talk with them last night about the mental side of sports. Any sport of any kind is won or lost in your mental strength. Ability will get you only so far; you must possess the mental strength to thrive on the pressures of these situations. I am trying so hard for them to understand this; it is truly one of these life lessons that we want our kiddo’s to learn in the arena of playing sports. The mental strength, the positive attitude, the ability to work or even thrive on the pressure situations.
This scripture in Philippians is so “abused”. We claim it in any way and every thing to seemingly use God to get what we want. It could be so abused in that “name it & claim it” sects of religion. Why wouldn’t God want me to have that BMW? The apostle Paul is writing this letter to the Philippians as a letter of thanksgiving. He is so humbled and thankful for all they have done for him while in prison. It is not the material gift that they sent, but the thought and the reward that Paul tells them that will come as a result of it. Paul is humbled to the point in his service for God here; he has learned to be content in all things that he faces; he understands God’s Sovereignty. Philippians 4:1 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
There is in that understanding of God’s Sovereignty, found contentment and strength. He has you right where you are, facing whatever you are, by his design. When you grasp that, you breath a sigh of relief. The book of James tells us to gather strength in all that God allows us to face. James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Even under the pressures of sports, and the pressures of life, when we are squeezed, what comes out? Is it the strength and peace of God that allows us to face these tough situations? It is in the time cultivated in His Word and prayer daily that prepares you for whatever situation you may face today.
oneminuteministry 