Be Encouraged!
The devotional I had just read didn’t move my needle, but five words grabbed my attention…We’re not to be discouraged. Prior to reading those words, I was sitting there quietly, trying to order the things that needed tending to for the day and those looming for tomorrow. Seems there are always more things than there is day to get them done.
The demon of discouragement wearing a “You’re a failure” t-shirt is never far from my door. Such is life. Looking back at my younger years, I learned that courage is indeed a choice. And there has been no better example of that truth in my life than one cold day in February, 1989, at the University of South Alabama. 1
It was the top of the second inning, the bases were loaded, with nobody out. And though I had very little collegiate experience, I was standing on the pitcher’s mound in front of a few thousand people to pitch against Mississippi State University, the #1 ranked college baseball team in the country. 2
We can choose to act courageously,
I was terrified but, I was also ready. Years of preparation were about to intersect with the perfect confidence building opportunity. Scared as I was, I reached down deep, and with everything in me, came out of my shoes with every pitch. 3 My throws were plenty fast enough, but too high, and I walked the first two batters. So I calmed down, dialed it in, and started dealing…inning after inning. 4
Courage won the day, as being timid would have gotten me quickly devoured. (Read that last sentence twice) From that day forward, for the next nine years that I played baseball, I never played scared again…ever. As far as I was concerned, when I stepped on the mound, I was the man in control. You see, on that day I was filled with fear, but I chose to act courageously.
Hear this: The Bible often speaks of courage as a choice, beginning with the word, Be. Be strong and courageous, not afraid or terrified.5 Be strong and courageous, not terrified or discouraged. 6 Be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged. 7 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! 8
For we know God is always with us.
Courage is a choice, just as being a Believer and following Christ. And when you give God access to your life, you are adding the great I Am Who has the power to make you Be courageous (Read that twice, too). A greater power is with us and He will never leave or forsake you. God will be with you wherever you go. (See footnotes 3, 4 and 5.)
Choose to act courageously throughout your day. Be encouraged, not discouraged. Believe that God has a plan for your life. Keep moving forward in Faith and great expectation.
Get in the boat. Do Your Part. Be Strong and Courageous!
From Nose to Toes!
Shane/#16
Shane Hale is a redeemed & re-purposed professional baseball player and former corporate sales executive. Shane, his wife Michelle, and their three sons live in Mobile, Alabama, USA, where he works as a Realtor. While seeking God’s plan for his life in the summer of 2014, God told Shane to start writing. Today he shares his faith to encourage and inspire others to seek His plan for their lives as well. Check out his blog at http://www.the1sixproject.com.
Footnotes: (1) The University of South Alabama is a public university located in Mobile, Alabama, USA. Its baseball team is a member of the Sun Belt Conference which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division 1. (2) Mississippi State University is a public university located in Starkville, Mississippi, USA. Its baseball team is a member of the Southeastern Conference which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division 1. (3) In baseball, the phrase “came out of my shoes with every pitch” means the pitcher threw the ball as hard as he could. (4) The phrase “dialed in” means to be completely focused, and “dealing” means to be in control. (5) Read Deuteronomy 31:6-7. The words of Moses spoken to Israel and then to Joshua. (6) Read Joshua 1:9 The words of God spoken to Joshua. (7) Read 2 Chronicles 32:7-8. The words of Hezekiah spoken to the army of Judah. (8) Read Psalm 31:24. The words of King David to his people.
Pictures: Banner: Be Encouraged, photo by Shane Hale. (1) Dialed In and Dealing, photo of Shane Hale pitching in the MLB Baltimore Orioles organization. (2) Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear, Quote of George Adair, Atlanta, GA, USA real estate developer after the Civil War (1823-1899), Online.Visual-Paradigm.com. (3) Fearless, by Newsboys from their 2019 album United. YouTube video by Gary Mcduffee.
