I once was on a little league baseball team. Apparently, I was the only one who didn’t know it.
There’s even an old picture to prove it. I’m standing on the front row– uniform tucked in, with team logo half showing. The bright blue cleats I’m wearing rarely ran around the bases, but they were great for stomping ant beds in the outfield.
I was a mediocre player at best. One who rarely left the bench. But then one day our star player got into trouble. Our coach made him sit out the first few innings, and put me in the game!
It was our turn at bat. “Coach, is there time for me to go use the restroom?” I asked–looking uncomfortable. He was concentrating on the game. “Ok, but hurry,” he responded, without taking his eyes off the field. “You’ll be up soon.”
I made it to the bathroom alright, but on the way back I took a detour. Passing by the concession stand, I remembered the two dollars in my front pocket. “There’s plenty of time to get something,” I reasoned. So I stood in line with two people ahead of me.
Walking back to the dugout, holding a dripping cherry snow cone with both hands, I see coach waving his arms frantically. “Duncan, where have you been? You’re up next!” he yelled–loudly enough for the home plate umpire to hear.
Years later I realized, I sat on the bench so much I didn’t feel like part of the team. I was never truly “in the game.”
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon… I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul – Philippians 2:19a-21 (NIV)
Please allow me to tell on myself a bit more.There was a time in my walk with God when I had no genuine interest in the things of Christ. For all intents and purposes I lived as a practical agnostic. I’m tempted to hold down “backspace” and delete the last sentence, but it’s true.
After losing both my ministry and marriage, I was very angry with the Lord. Thankfully, His unconditional love led me to repentance. He gently reminded me of the following: on heaven’s team, nobody sits on the bench. Everybody plays.
Kind reader, can you relate? Is there anything in your life distracting you from your next “at bat” for the Lord? May God grant us both the discipline and courage to stay in the game.
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.
Photo by Steshka Willems on Pexels.com
Davids Daily Dose 
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