“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:13
During the summer of 2015, I stumbled upon an over-30 men’s wooden bat league here in Wake Forest, N.C. I hadn’t played organized baseball since I graduated college in 2006.
The season was already about four weeks in, and I was showing up for my first game. I was extremely nervous. Not because I wasn’t sure how I would perform. It was more along the lines of whether or not I would fit in.
However, I knew God was allowing me to use my love for Him and baseball to be a witness. I leaned on Him to help me bite my tongue and control my temper in the heat of competition.
I wish I could say I was always successful with depending on the Lord. There were many times when I thought I had done the opposite of what God had called me to do. Almost like I had ruined the chance He had given me to point others to the Gospel.
Fast forward to the beginning of last season. I was now a co-commissioner for the league and managing my first team — The Ghost Runners. I was approached by one of my previous teammates. He is a husband and father of two softball players, who had gotten addicted to pain killers. However, he shared with me how my life had been an example to him and his relationship with his family. That he was now leading his family better and taking them to church. He requested to be traded to my team (I promise I wasn’t trying to poach him), and we have been friends to this day.
I had no clue he was even having these types of struggles at home. Didn’t even know he was watching me. Just when I felt I wasn’t having an impact for the Gospel, God orchestrated this conversation. It was so encouraging!
God is always at work in our lives. Working out His will and guiding His children as they work for His pleasure. God desires for all to repent and be saved. And He is going to accomplish this through us. Let Him work!
— Bryan Brammer
If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com.
