I spent the afternoon listening to the Cajuns play softball. They are playing in the regionals in Austin, Texas. They lost yesterday, so they had to win twice today to keep playing. Their pitcher, Ashley Brignac is a Christian. She pitched yesterday. She was supposed to rest in the first game today, but the starting pitcher got hurt early in the game and Ashley had to pitch. She pitched that game and won and then pitched the next game against Texas the number 3 team in the country at their field and won. It was an exhausting but inspiring effort. She gave more than could be expected.
Sometimes we don’t expect enough from ourselves. We don’t give 100 percent. We should give our all for Our Lord who gave His all.
But other times we are too hard on ourselves. Often, even when we’ve given our all, things don’t work out like we believe they should. We play hard, but we don’t win. In those times, we need to be happy with our best effort. When we don’t do you know who sets unrealistic standards? Who sets the bar beyond reach?
We do. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t. Our problem isn’t that we’ve failed. Our problem is that we haven’t failed enough. We haven’t been brought low enough to learn what God wants us to learn. As parents we are proudest of the child who always gets back up; not the one who never falls.
God doesn’t demand success; but availability. Our job is to work to discern His will and to do it. Success is His job. His grace forgives us, saves us, and empower us. He cheers our response to His love and our desire to please. As for victory, that He’s already won.
Now Ashley faces having to pitch two more games tomorrow for her team to have a chance to win the regional. I don’t know if the Cajuns will win. But Ashley’s already won. She gave her all today. She’ll give her all tomorrow. God will take care of the rest.
Isn’t that all we can expect to do?
Be used and be blessed.
Nick
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