Experiencing victory

Tuesday evening I was fortunate to be in the stands to watch the Chapel softball team win two games and claim the James City County Men's Softball Championship!

They had to win the first game to qualify for the championship game that followed. Both games were close. The first was won in extra innings by one run and the second was a back and forth contest where the Chapel ended up a winner by two runs. Everybody knew what the goal was as the night began, but no one could know the outcome. During the game, everyone knew that the key was for each guy to get a good hit every time he was up, but no one could absolutely control that and we made plenty of outs when we wish we'd made hits. One inning in the championship game we had the bases loaded with no outs and still found a way to make three outs and not score a single run! Looking back at the games, we made plenty of mistakes and misplayed several opportunities to make plays....it's hard to say just how we won, but we did. There's no way you could point to one player and say that because of his individual talent, skill and control we won. Actually, we could have lost...but we won! In a similar way, we have victory in Jesus. There have been plenty of times that we've blown it. Sure, we all know the goal is eternal life and to be with the Lord, but somehow we find ways to drop the ball or fail to concentrate on a pitch. Winning in softball happens as a team experience although everyone on the team is a champion, individually. Winning in our faith takes a team too. I suppose that's why all the various spiritual gifts were given and why we're encouraged to stick together and help one another. The most important player is the Lord, Himself. We know He's committed to the victory...He laid down a sacrifice that is still advancing runners today!

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

blessings teammates!
Rob Smith
http://2daysthought.blogspot.com/