This was in a Church bulletin I read, and it’s worth repeating, word for word.

It said, “A talented young athlete, the son of a star baseball player, was struggling in the minor leagues and was expecting to be released any day. During one game, he came to bat having already struck out once and quickly rang up two more strikes. Then the catcher trotted away for a conference with the pitcher.

The umpire, standing behind the plate, spoke to the young man. “You hold the bat just the way your Dad held it,” he said. “I can see his genes in you. You have your father’s arms.”

On the next pitch, the young man knocked the ball out of the park. His play improved remarkably, and soon he was called up to the major leagues.

When asked what changed his game, the young man gave credit to the umpire’s words. “After that,” he explained, “whenever I swung the bat, I just imagined that I was using Dad’s arms instead of my own.”

And the story closes with the question, “Are you using your Heavenly Father’s arms?”

And that’s my question, too. When trouble comes that you can’t handle, ask yourself who you’re really depending on…yourself or God. It’s really true, that when things are going right, you just seem to forget who’s in charge…that you really have the answers. But like those baseball players, when the streak ends and no one can tell you what’s wrong, it’s still not too late to talk to the Lord about it. He doesn’t like to be the last one you call on, but His Love shines through and He gives you a hand.

Try His Way. Put your life in His hands. Talk to Him about it now.

37BT Bill Thornton May 30, 2004