Watching God Work

Have you ever been so overwhelmed by the details of life that you felt like you were drowning? I've had that experience many times over my 40+ years of life.

Usually it comes completely unexpectedly. I have everything scheduled out just fine. The calendar is set, the task list is extensive but achievable, and the clock is ticking. Then it happens. The curve ball is thrown when I was expecting the fast ball.

Someone who is scheduled to _______ can't make it.
The computer equipment died, so we can't _______.
There's not enough time.
We ran out of money.
The beat goes on...

Ministry (starting with my marriage and children) has exposed me to countless situations like this over the past 18+ years. The details of the situations change, but the type of situation does not:

I have a plan.
A curve ball is thrown.
The plan does not work.

You'd think after all this time that I would have gotten better at hitting "curve balls," but I haven't. In my earlier years I used to try this strategy. I tried to work harder, work faster, or work smarter. I tried to adjust to the circumstances quickly so I could hit one out of the park. It never worked. I might have gotten an infield single, but usually I would just foul it off.

Now my strategy has changed dramatically. I put in a pinch-hitter. He has a great batting record (the stats say it's 1.000). He's never surprised by a curve ball...or a spider...or a change-up. He always knocks it out of the park. The best part is...I get to watch.

The next time you find yourself drowning in the details of life or you recognize that a curve ball is messing up your game, why not try a different strategy. Stop swinging. You'll only wear yourself out and you'll probably just foul it off anyway. Let Him get in the batter's box and enjoy the show. Have you ever watched Him hit one out of the park? I'm telling ya, it's a site to see...