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In volleyball, once the ball kisses the ground it's the end -- you've lost. A dig bounces the ball back into play. In life it is sometimes like we are spiritually constantly digging. In ministry, we are just barely staying in the game or constantly throwing out lifelines to others without seeing any growth or maturity or even stability in others or ourselves. It's tempting just to concede the point -- but the truth is a dig is the only thing that changes a lost point into a great play. We aren't all scorers, but the point can be won without a dig -- so keep digging. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." -- Galatians 6:9  In volleyball, every point -- whether you win it or lose it -- starts with a serve. It is a hard-earned skill that takes lots of practice, self-control, and patience. But that is how you get the serve over the net, into play, and well-positioned. You serve. And if volleyball teaches us anything about life is: You can't win if you don't serve. Our call to serve is not a once-in-a-while thing -- but a daily practice. It takes self-control to put others first and not demand the recognition or the thanks we deserve. And it takes patience to smile and serve yet again. "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." -- Matthew 20:28  Bump. Set. Spike. And the spike is the fun hit to watch. But guess what, the spike only happens because of the set. And the set only happens because of the bump. So it is in life. If we spike -- it's because someone set us up. If we set someone else up, it's because someone got the ball to us first. And spiritually, if we touch the ball at all, it's because -- bump, set, or spike -- God sent the ball our way. That is what I know about volleyball -- that and it hurts my forearms.  The bronzed, falling leaves are a signal that winter is coming. The sun will not shine as brightly. The wind will turn chilly. The plants will go dormant. The animals will hunker down and wait for the inevitable return of the spring. And back in the day of widespread agriculture, autumn was a signal to pause and thank God for His provision. But it was also a yearly prompt to trust God to sustain through the coming barren months of winter. May this fall season be just that for each of you! A consistent reminder to trust our Loving Father -- all "winter" long.  |
The AuthorCome with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious life. Archives
February 2025
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