Sunday, August 24, 2014

By: Gwen Hitt

Don't Play It Safe  

Ecclesiastes 11:4. Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.

We were so blessed to spend time with our three young grandchildren this weekend. For part of the time we had them over, we played Super Mario Kart 8. If you have never heard of this game, it is a fun racing adventure that includes several exciting race tracks. I have to admit that my grandchildren are a lot better than I am ... LOL!

During one of the races, my five-year granddaughter advised my almost four-year old grandson to keep his race car in the water rather than trying to maneuver it on the beach. She told him that nothing would get him in the water --- that he would be safe! Although she was trying to help him, she failed to realize that with her strategy a lot of speed is lost because of the resistance of the water.

As I listened to her advice, I began to reflect on how we often take the "safe" or comfortable paths in our lives. However, today's verse warns that we may never achieve all that God has for us if we wait for perfect conditions. In fact, if we play it too safe, our harvest, the realization of our dreams, will never come to fruition.

Babe Ruth is a prime example of never waiting for the perfect conditions to go after his dream. He is said to have held the record for the most home runs AS WELL as the most strikeouts. When he was swinging, it was for a home run. 

My challenge to you today is to "take a swing at your dreams!" Know that God has good plans specifically for you ... plans to prosper you ... plans to give you hope and a future. Since you have the most capable Coach on your side, take the risk realizing that ALL things ARE possible through Him. 

Dear Lord, Help me to never be afraid to take risks when I know that You have so much more for me. I do not want to get to the end of my race - my life - wondering what I could have accomplished if I had only swung at the ball INSTEAD of waiting for the perfect pitch! 

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection: Do you have a dream that seems too big, and you are tempted to settle for less because you're afraid to fail?