Casey is up to bat in the bottom of the ninth with 2 outs and the bases loaded. His team is down by one run. Casey swings wildly at the first pitch, which is in the dirt. The second pitch arrives with the same result. Surely, mighty Casey won't strike out on 3 pitches the fans said…but alas Casey swung at the third pitch which bounced 5 feet in front of the plate.
How often do we want to come up with the big hit so desperately that we swing at the first thing that comes along? We think, "I've been put in this position to come up with the big hit"…right? Do you know what happens when we are focused and patient? The count of balls and strikes will turn in our favor. The pitcher is then faced with a choice. Either the pitcher walks in a run or gives us a better pitch to hit. Abraham tried to use a maidservant as a shortcut to God's promise of being made into a great nation (Genesis 17:17-22). Solomon could have trusted that God would provide His people with peace. Instead He married and Egyptian princess to barter a deal for peace (1 Kings 3:1) that ultimately would not last (1 Kings 11:11-13). It doesn't pay to be impatient.
What about us? Are we willing to trust God and follow His direction? Are we willing to take unconventional timetables or steps that may not follow our logic? It has been said that if we get ahead of God that He may not follow. Instead He tells us to remain in Him (John 15:4) and to take His yoke because it is easy (Matthew 11:30). Let's focus on following almighty God who always knows when it is time to swing and when it is time to take a pitch.
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