Other fans weren’t as laid back. Their cheers had turned to disparaging remarks. More and more fans streamed out the exits. I’m guessing they stopped in their tracks when a thunderous roar burst from the stadium. A single, a walk, and then McGee’s pinch-hit RBI tied the score at 8! It was a brand new game!
It’s been 17 years since that wild game, but I can remember the final score as if it was 17 minutes ago: 16-8. Yes, the Cards scored 11 runs! It was 8-5 going into the bottom of the 8th inning. It was 8-16 going into the top of the 9th. My, how things can change.
Like a life, for instance.
I remember a time in my life when the score was definitely not in my favor. Victory was a long shot. Defeat seemed a sure bet. Did anyone in my “cheering section” consider bailing out when things looked grim? Were my circumstances too bleak to hope for a rally?
We have trouble all around us,
but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 NCV).
Thank you so much for reminding us of this. It has been a rough couple of years and this message is like a soothing balm for a broken heart.
ReplyDelete~ http://RosevineCottageGirls.blogspot.com
Wow, I love it that God can take a lesson learned years ago and use it to bless you in your present circumstances. I praise God that His message in my experiences brought you encouragement. I pray joy and peace for you!
DeleteKim - I have been there as well - waiting for a victory that was a longshot. I can well remember being told that I was not facing reality. Like you, I am grateful for those who were faithful to continue to pray with me. Victory did come. I still get overwhelmed, years later, when I think of all that God has done for me. I am thankful that we have a God that does not leave us without hope. He is our hope & He is with us always. Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteHave a great Wed.!
Joanne
Joanne, I thank God that you experienced victory--and that you had faithful friends who continued to encourage you. I agree: thank God He doesn't leave us without hope! And thank you for reading my post and leaving an encouraging comment. May God bless you abundantly!
DeleteI LOVE this, Kim! Yes, there have bee many times when family and friends asked if I was still trying to be a writer or if I was still doing that speaking thing. I'd been working at it for years with not much to show for it from a human perspective.
ReplyDeleteBut God was working on me and in my circumstances to bring about His perfect will. Truth be known, I wasn't ready to have the joy of running for home until He worked on my heart to align it with His plan. Of course, I haven't arrived and I won't until I arrive before Him in eternity, but my goodness what a fun and difficult ride it is!
Vonda, thank you for your words of encouragement, they mean so much to me on several levels :) I am so grateful for how you have partnered with God to pursue your passions! Praying for you as your God-ventures continue!
DeleteHi Kim! What a great analogy to victory when it just doesn't seem like it's possible. I know that God thinks so much of me...I have to start seeing myself as he sees me. What a view that would be!
ReplyDeleteHow things change, indeed. I pray that my life will change in more faith...persecuted, I am not defeated :)
From Wednesdays Prayer Girls,
Ceil
Ceil, thank you so much for reading my story and leaving encouraging words. May God bless you abundantly...and then some!
DeleteWhat an amazing game that had to be, and a great analogy for life, yes. Your words rang so true. Not only can life turn for the good, without warning, but also for the bad. The best thing we can do is hold on to the One who will be there with us, whatever comes our way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for blessing me with this post.
Dayle, thank YOU for blessing ME with your comment :) Yes, it was a great game and the lesson I learned has stayed with me all these years later! I agree: even though it is marvelous to have people in your cheering section, our ultimate confidence rests in God alone! Thank you for reading and commenting! God bless you out of His abundance and wisdom!
DeleteWe so need people that are in it for the long haul! I love how you juxtapose this game with real life. It is encouraging and such a reminder that we need to continue to spur each other on.
ReplyDeleteJen, I agree! Thanks for reading and leaving encouraging comments. God bless you BIG!
DeleteWhat a great lesson to us all! Don't turn around and take off before the final round! The finish line is close for us all....if only we can grab each other arm and arm...and finish strong! Blessings friend, Jen from UNITE
ReplyDeleteJen, thanks for reading and commenting--I like "grab each other arm and arm and finish strong"! Yes, may it be so! God bless you abundantly, Jen...and then some!
DeleteThis is so good, Kim. I especially like the part about those who don't give up on us but stay with us when our score isn't so great. And you're so right that things can change in a heartbeat.
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