Catch

It is a funny word, and we use it in so many situations; Catch a cold, catch a fish, catch a ball, catch your breath, catch a wave, catch an eye, catch a meaning etc. The word struck me as I used it in a casual conversation this morning, about this How group that Jan and I have started. We had a second meeting last week, and it continues to be something that God is unraveling for his good. It is catching on, and the precious women who have attended have come from all directions. We even had a friend come in from Magnolia Texas because someone had forwarded her the email.

 To me that was such a bold move, to drive 45 minutes to a place you do not know, to meet with ladies you have not met for an agenda that is not spelled out. But she had been God's catch for that day. Her story was one that we all wrestle with when we are trying to decide whether or not to do something or go somewhere and we include God in the decision. She said she was anxious all day, do I go or do I not? She was in the clutches of God's grasp and she persevered and ended up at our gathering. We were so glad she had come and I truly think she left with a heart filled with hope and encouragement, for she said, thank you and I will be back and replying to our concern of her driving back, she said I have friends I can stay with if I don't want to make the drive. God threw her a pitch and she kept her eye on the ball through prayer and she caught the ball of God's intention for her.

 To be in a "catch" position, you have to be a willing participant. The world throws us curves, oh but it is God who positions us with strength, foresight, grace and courage to confidently catch what comes our way and secure it in the glove of his enabling hand. If we truly pay attention, and be on the look out and seek God's direction, then he will help us to focus on the ball he has allowed the world to pitch, and we will, in His confidence, make the play that he has deemed for His glory. Sure there will be times to fumble, and drop and even miss the catch entirely, oh, but all we have to do is pick it up and get it in play and reply on God to make up the for our inadequacies. He is good at that you know for when we are weak he is strong.

 God has a way of helping us to be victorious in spite of circumstances; giving us courage when we are filled with fear, strength when we are weak at our knees, and confidence when we have tasted failure and disappointment. He picks up all the pieces from broken plays and broken hearts and through his love, his power, his comfort and his healing, somehow restores what has been broken to a stronger and more faithful vessel than he will use for His coming purposes. God catches us when we fall, and wants us to catch His love at His every pitch. If we remain constant in our focus on Him, and slip on His glove of grace and power and wisdom when we we know we are playing hard ball, we can be guaranteed to be covered by His mercy and his overwhelming and sovereign authority.

 The world we live in will pitch us some good balls, hard balls, curve balls and sliders, and even with practice, and a plannned strategy it is still hard to stay lined up and catch what is thrown. But when God is with us, we are able to stand on solid ground, in confidence and trust, knowing that the enemy and all his comrades cannot penetrate or destroy the mighty love of God that embraces and covers and protects those he loves and who have come to know him and depend on him.

 Pitch and catch, a game that starts out slow and seems to gain momentum with every throw.But soon a regularity evolves, and there is a constant sense of trust, expectation, rhythm, and partnership. As it is with God. If we develop a relationship with God, and daily plan on his partnership to get us ready for the game of the day, we can approach our day trusting the pattern of God's sovereignty, expectation of God's involvement, rhythm of faithful dependance, and a partnership of unconditional love.

 We may throw a little and catch a little but in God's economy, it is the practice and partnership that build us to be who He has purposed and make His plays. Romans 8:31 [ More Than Conquerors ] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

 Dear Lord, Thank you for the blessing of your continued friendship and oversight. Help us to keep your heavenly glove on and make us ready to catch what is thrown our way with a confidence and a trust that you will help us make plays that matter and not harp on the ones we let get past us. Amen

 Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!