Knowing Where the Wall Is

Lately, I"ve been asking God to help me understand WHY we are facing some particular struggles right now. I'm asking that because I want to be sure that we learn whatever lesson God has for us in our struggles, so that we don't struggle in vain.

Tonight, I indulged my favorite "habit" and watched a baseball game on television. I watched an outfielder back toward the wall, reach up to make a catch, take a "peek" over his shoulder to see where the wall was, and then look shocked as he stumbled into the wall and the ball hit the ground in front of him, allowing the runner to reach second base.

This particular major league player is an excellent outfielder, but he was playing on a field that was unfamiliar to him, as he had only played there a few times. He had no idea where that wall was, amd it cost him.

Now, fast forward to the bottom of the 9th inning. This young man is once again at his position in the outfield. But this time, there is a runner on base, and a man at the plate. IF the batter hits a home run, the game is over, and our young outfielder's team loses.

Finally, after the pitcher runs the count full, 3 balls, 2 strikes, the batter makes contact with the ball. You can hear the CRACK of the bat. The ball takes flight, and it is headed for the outfield bleachers~almost.

Our young outfielder watches the ball, and begins to back up. He's running. He's got to hurry, or the ball will be gone! He continues to back up, his glove raised, and his eye on the ball. Finally, ONE STEP shy of the wall, we hear the satisfying THUMP of the ball hitting leather, and the young man raises the ball in victory. Having caught the ball and made the final out of the game, he is now free to head to the mound and celebrate with his teammates. After the game, he is seen repeatedly rubbing his shoulder. He hurt it running into that wall on that first fly ball. But, he tells the reporter, he doesn't mind because knowing where that wall was is what helped him make the catch that ended the game.

I think God does the same thing for us sometimes. We struggle, and we slam into the wall and hurt ourselves. God doesn't WANT us hurt, but He allows it sometimes so that the next time the situation arises, we KNOW where that wall is, and we can catch the ball WITHOUT slamming into it.

So, if you're struggling with something right now, don't let the devil discourage you. Just get up, dust yourself off, and keep in mind that next time, you'll know exactly where that wall is.
Blessings,
Vicki