FCA ResourcesDevotional
The Sweep
By JohnFischer
Ready
"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
-Philippians 4:12b-13 (NIV)
Set
Last week, my mighty Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim got swept by the lowly Kansas City Royals, a team of young, no-name players who came in and shut down one of the hottest teams in baseball (at least they were before last Monday). When the Royals arrived they were 30-46 and owners of the second worst record in the majors; and at 49-27, the Angels held the second best record in the majors. To top it off, the Angels hadn't been swept at home since 2005. But it happened. It's history. It's in the record book. David slew Goliath.
This is one of the reasons I like baseball, you never know what might happen. It's a sport in which the worst team can beat the best team, and do it again. . .and again. The first game was 5-3, and we could just call it a bad night. The Royals had some lucky breaks, etc., etc. The next game was a humiliating 12-4 drumming. No explanation whatsoever. And the last game was pure frustration: 1-0. Ten hits and no runs. That's hard to do. They were caught in double plays; they were caught stealing; they were caught leading off the base; they were caught scratching their heads. The Angels were on a roll before the Royal Blue came in and rolled them right up and out the door.
As I was thinking about this, I was reminded of something that God does that is similar. He exalts the humble and brings down the proud. See, God and baseball have a way of evening things out.
If you've gotten a bum rap, if you've been under the thumb, if things have not been going your way. . .hold on to Jesus. He will lift you up in due time. It may be today. It may be a long time from today, but it most definitely will be.
And similarly, if you have been cruisin', if your ship has come in, if you are at the head of the class. . .hold on to Jesus, because it's not always going to be this way. You can bet on that. Accept your high place as from the Lord and realize that you have a Lord over you to answer to. With position comes responsibility. If you choose wisely, you will not have to lose anything even if you lose your position, because you, too, were holding onto Jesus all along.
Go
1. Which describes you more today: humbled or proud?
2. Are you pursuing God as much as you can?
3. What needs to change?
Workout
Proverbs 3:33-35
James 4:1-10
Bible Reference:
James 4
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Ministry