The slow pitching
Summer has begun. The kids are out of school. My oldest is off on a mission trip in New Orleans. Monday I took Joshua and Rebekah along with three nephews to watch the Texas Rangers get whomped on by the Deeeetroit Tigers.
The challenge of the summer is spending time with the family while also getting my tasks accomplished. I am always tempted to believe that my tasks are so important.
Last night the announcers were talking about how slow the last Tiger’s pitcher, Joaquin Benoit, performs. He takes up to half a minute between pitches. The rest of the team out in the field gets antsy waiting for him to finally heave the ball across the plate.
I get antsy with God. I wait and wait on the LORD. I am tempted to go and make ministry happen. I am inclined to help God get his Kingdom moving around me.
Of course, the people in our congregation are often antsy to see our church moving and active as well. They wonder why don’t we try this, or why don’t you do this. Of course, I am always open for them to following a direction they have received from the LORD. I am also open to ministries they want to initiate.
But for me, the LORD has compelled me to be in a season of waiting. I HATE waiting. I always look for the shorter lines.
What the LORD is saying to me is that I must wait for Him. The LORD is pressing upon me that the only effectiveness I can have is if I abide in him.
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” John 15:4
No matter how strong your arm is, no matter how fast you can hurl that ball, if your footing is off, you are not going to be effective in your pitching. No matter what gifts and skills I have, no matter how much effort I heave into ministry, the only lasting fruit will come if I am doing what the LORD is already doing. The only words which will penetrate human hearts and willfulness are the words that the LORD is saying. (John 14:10)
During these hot, pollen soaked days of summer, I wait for the Father to throw his pitch and let me know when it is my turn to follow him.
So, how are you looking for God’s cues to you?
