shortlady
Member
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- Aug 3, 2005
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Bowling A Googley
READ: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, . . . but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings. —1 Peter 4:12-13
George Bernard Shaw once said, “England and America are two countries separated by a common language.” An example from the world of sports demonstrates his point.
As a lifelong baseball fan, I’m familiar with the term curveball. It’s a ball thrown by the pitcher in such a way that it changes direction, fooling the opponent. In cricket, the strategy is similar but the word is very different. The bowler (pitcher) tries to overcome the batsman by “bowling a googley” (pitching a curveball).
Though games and cultures differ, the concept of the curveball portrays a reality familiar in any language. Life is full of times when we are unsuspectingly “bowled a googley,” and we find ourselves overwhelmed. In those moments of fear and confusion, it’s comforting to know we have a God who is sufficient for any challenge.
Trials are to be expected (1 Peter 4:12). Yet we may well be shocked by the circumstances facing us. But God is never surprised! He permits our trials, and He can enable us to respond to them in a way that honors Him.
When we suffer, we must “commit [our] souls to Him in doing good,” wrote Peter (v.19). In God’s strength, we can face life’s most troublesome curveballs. — Bill Crowder
For Further Study
How are we to cope with life’s inevitable troubles?
Read Navigating The Storms Of Life on the Web at
Discovery Series - Navigating The Storms Of Life
Nothing surprises God.
READ: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, . . . but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings. —1 Peter 4:12-13
George Bernard Shaw once said, “England and America are two countries separated by a common language.” An example from the world of sports demonstrates his point.
As a lifelong baseball fan, I’m familiar with the term curveball. It’s a ball thrown by the pitcher in such a way that it changes direction, fooling the opponent. In cricket, the strategy is similar but the word is very different. The bowler (pitcher) tries to overcome the batsman by “bowling a googley” (pitching a curveball).
Though games and cultures differ, the concept of the curveball portrays a reality familiar in any language. Life is full of times when we are unsuspectingly “bowled a googley,” and we find ourselves overwhelmed. In those moments of fear and confusion, it’s comforting to know we have a God who is sufficient for any challenge.
Trials are to be expected (1 Peter 4:12). Yet we may well be shocked by the circumstances facing us. But God is never surprised! He permits our trials, and He can enable us to respond to them in a way that honors Him.
When we suffer, we must “commit [our] souls to Him in doing good,” wrote Peter (v.19). In God’s strength, we can face life’s most troublesome curveballs. — Bill Crowder
For Further Study
How are we to cope with life’s inevitable troubles?
Read Navigating The Storms Of Life on the Web at
Discovery Series - Navigating The Storms Of Life
Nothing surprises God.
