Pastor John Granchie.

Nothing gets me more excited than the smell of freshly cut grass, the chalk lines being drawn around the batter’s box, and the smell of hotdogs and popcorn in the air. I am sure by now you know I am talking about the great sport of Baseball. Nine innings of trying to figure out who is going to hit the first homerun, or who is going to pitch the next inning. It is a game like no other, always trying to figure out what is going to happen next.

Life is a lot like Baseball, we go through it always wondering what is going to happen next. Who will be our next Governor? What will the doctor’s report say? Will I be able to pay for my kids’ college? When we look at this world and the way it is heading it is easy to lose focus and become depressed. In a lot of ways, we are always playing in the first inning and trying to figure out what is going to happen in the ninth inning.

But for those of us who have trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we can live a different way. A way that keeps us focused on who we are and Who’s we are. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” When all the chaos and frenzy of this world tunes out the voice of God, we His people must understand that silence and stillness is needed to hear Him. We can be assured that He is present in our lives and still has a plan for our future. We don’t have to worry about always trying to figure out what is going to happen next.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” For those of us who love God, we can trust in His goodness, His mighty power and His perfect will to work all things for our good. When we walk with Him through our life, the promise that God works all things together for good does not mean that all things, taken by themselves, are good. Some things and events are bad, but God is able to work them together for our good. He sees the ninth inning already; He has a master plan. We just need to trust and know that He is in total control.

This spring and Summer as you visit your local ballpark, and you hear those great words “Play Ball” remember to put your faith in Jesus Christ. Invite Him into your heart and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. Then just sit back and enjoy the game!

John Granchie is the pastor of Peace Church in Gladbrook.