Dear Friends,
Fifteen-year-old Neal always batted last and always struck out. His cerebral palsy limited his ability to play, but he loved being part of a team. His teammates encouraged him but realized that each at bat for Neal was a guaranteed out. As the team huddled with their substitute coach, they were shocked when the coach announced that Neal would be the lead-off hitter.
“Are you sure about that?” One of the players questioned.
Putting his arm around Neal’s shoulder, the coach walked with him as Neal put on his batting helmet and selected a bat. “Neal, this time, I want you to just stand there and take pitches. No matter how good a pitch looks, don’t swing.”
Four pitches later, Neal limped toward first base.
“Who’s going to pinch run for him, coach?” One of the players shouted?
“Let’s see how he does on his own,” the coach replied.
Calling timeout, the coach walked over and whispered to Neal, “On the first pitch, steal second.”
“But coach, I am really, really slow.”
“Do your best.”
As the pitcher lofted the ball toward the plate, Neal started limping toward second. The catcher caught the ball and just watched as Neal lumbered toward second. When Neal was about ten feet from the bag, the catcher reared back and fired the ball to the second baseman. As the ball whizzed over the second baseman’s head, the third base coach started yelling at Neal, “You can make it; go for third!”
The crowd went wild as the outfielder finally retrieved the over-throw and lobbed the ball toward the third baseman. The ball went wide and Neal made the turn toward home. The play at the plate was close, but Neal stepped on the plate just a millisecond before the catcher applied the tag.
The team lost the game that day, but they all went home feeling like winners.
Like Neal in the above story, we all have limitations, but like the coach in the above true story, Our Heavenly Father looks beyond our limitations and sees our potential. Not only that, He knows every flaw, every wrinkle, every thought —and he still loves us.
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.” Psalm 139:1 (NLT)
Would a friend still respect you if he knew your every thought? Would your husband or wife still love you if they knew your every thought? Your every thought? God does. He made you and, as we learn in Psalm 139:14, He thinks you are marvelous.
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” (Psalm 139:13-14)
Going back to Neal’s story: There was a chance that Neal would stumble as he tried to steal second base. It was likely he would be tagged out. But the coach knew he could help Neal up, dust him off, and encourage him to try again. Likewise, we stumble and fall. But God is always waiting to lift us up. We need only ask.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
(Psalm 139:23-24)
Verse for the Week: “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Psalm 103:8
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 