“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6–7
It was the second game of a double header and the team I was rooting for was down 2 runs. The batter looked small compared to the VERY large pitcher. The wind up, the pitch… the small batter made a small move with a perfect bunt and got STILL got on first base! “Nice move,” I thought! But the next batter hit a fly ball and that was 3 outs.
Standing behind the home plate I looked at a giant, the former pitcher, who was now the batter. He had earned a fierce reputation, having smacked a homer in the very first inning at bat. Coach called timeout and brought in a new pitcher. “WHAAAAAAA?” I thought. Lil’ bunt guy was being put in to pitch??? It was like David and Goliath all over again. Only Goliath had the bat and David had a ball. One…. Two… THREE…. & YER OUT!!!!!!! I went nuts and screamed as the ‘struck out’ batter kicked the dirt in disgust!
OK… I am not a baseball fan. But I had a genuine interest in this game. You see, the bunting batter and the now-smiling pitcher was my Grandson, Isaac! And I was PROUD! He showed poise, control and self-discipline facing a giant. And he had prevailed!
I met a gentleman today who has experienced a LOT of hard stuff lately. I knew he attended church regularly and we chatted about his life. The more we talked, the more concerned I grew. He had answers… and seemingly good ones. But something wasn’t sounding right. Figuratively, the ball was in my hand, so I pitched it right at him… “If you were to die today do you know FOR CERTAIN you are going to heaven?” He was bold and forceful, and without missing a beat he answered, “NO.” Strike 1
Sizing him up, I wanted the next question come across clear, and force him to do more than simply swing. I asked, “If God were to ask you, ‘Why should I let YOU into my Heaven,’ what would YOU say?” He responded with, “well, I think my good has outweighed my bad, so that should do it.” Strike 2! Now the series became VERY – serious. Digging in, I shared facts about sin, death, sacrifice, Grace and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then wound up and pitched THE QUESTION! “Would you like to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and KNOW for CERTAIN you are going to Heaven?” His answer? THHHHHHWHACK!!!!!! YES!! HOME RUN!!!!!
The Bible says that all heaven rejoices when 1 sinner believes the Gospel. I swear I could hear. sitting there with a smile on my face, just like I did with my Grandson. I resisted the urge of a derogatory comment toward the opposing dugout…as I sensed the devil kick the dirt in disgust and walk away!
When it comes to God’s Kingdom, I have learned that little things are ALWAYS Big ones! A simple answer makes all the difference!
OOOOOOO I just heard YOUR name called & yer up! Here comes the pitch!!!!! “If YOU were to die today… do YOU know FOR CERTAIN you are going to heaven?”…..
