One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, is walk away from a sport that I love so much. When God called me to walk away and give him everything he had so graciously given me, I was reluctant but I did it.
Last month in Serbia, I was asked to help with a local softball team. For those of you who don’t know, Europe isn’t well established in this sport. Yet, I was able to meet 11 young ladies who are hungry to make it to the highest level that they can. It was a special opportunity that I had, to coach these girls, even though it was only twice.
While working with them, I suffered from the nostalgia of my former career in the sport. Then, the Lord reminded me of why He asked me to walk away in the first place.
My identity.
My heart and image was wrapped up in something that was temporary. I had dedicated so much of myself to personal selfish ambitions and glory. Without softball, I didn’t truly believe that I was capable of being successful or accepted by others. It was a dangerous crutch in my life.
Why am I rambling about this? Because, I want you to know that because I walked away from this, I was set free. Free to begin the journey of transforming my mind to that of one that reflects my Heavenly Father.
Because I walked away, I was able to show my peers who truly was important.
Because I walked away, I was able to walk into the 7th country on my World Race route. Meet young women who are striving to be great in this sport in order to better their lives or open the door to new opportunities. Because I walked away I was able to tell them about a God who offers even more opportunity, more purpose, fulfillment and salvation. Because I walked away, I was able to play a small roll in encouraging young women to find their identity in Jesus.
Is there something God is asking you to walk away from? If so, what is it?
I challenge you to be obedient. Even if it’s hard, do it. You never know how God will use it and you, to make an impact on the people around you and push them closer to him.
