His name was Timmy. He was a little league player and first off his pants were too baggy, his shoe laces a bit too long and oh that batting helmet was too big and the faceguard on it covered the huge percentage of his face. As he stepped up to the batters box, I could sense his apprehension. No sooner did he take a practice swing, his grandmother started her chant (she was loud and in charge) “You got this Timmy…You go this!!!’ Well I could sense that Timmy ‘had nothing.’ Now I am not critical of Timmy as I am sure he is a great kid, but I have been around little league and played a bit myself growing up. No sooner did I think Timmy ‘had nothing,’ did I hear the umpire call out, “Strike One.” Grandma and now Mom chimed in with cameras in hand and loudly chanted in unison, “Timmy you got this!!!!” Timmy had now turned around and gave a look as if to say, “Mom and Grandma you are embarrassing me.” Dad now gave a strong, “Timmy hit the ball – take a swing son.” And no sooner did Dad call the command, Timmy swung the bat and a great swing it was. Only problem was the ball had already reached the catchers glove. “Strike Twoooooooooo” shouting the umpire, his hands and arms gesturing like he was umpiring a Major League World Series game. Mom and Grandma started up again and a few other parents did as well. “You got this Timmy, Yeah Timmy, You got this.” And Timmy froze and a high pitch came in for ball one. A reprieve for Timmy and then it happened a super fast ball, Timmy dropped his head and simply watched it go by as the chant was going on in the background. “Timmy, Timmy, You got this.” Strike three was called and a dejected Timmy walked back to the dug out in hopes of grabbing some bubble gum or at least a break from having to bat. One of his well meaning team mates told him, you will get it next time Timmy, to which Timmy said, I don’t think so. Timmy did not have it that day and would strike out two more times in that particular game. Now I understand we want to cheer each other on and we should. I enjoy encouraging others and have done so all of my life. But Timmy did not have it. Maybe you feel that way at times. I don’t have it.
- I Corinthians 1:26
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. (NIV)
Paul invites this small group of Christ followers to reflect on personal inadequacies. But catch this: the implication is not therefore lower your expectations; because you don’t have much or you ‘don’t have this.” Paul tells them to expect great things.
- God is up to something in this world that no one could have expected!
- God is up to something in the lives of people who are willing to be surrendered to God.
Paul says it is not up to you to have it and he uses two words to signify the best way to see great things happen. Not You….BUT GOD!
- I Corinthians 1:27 – 30
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” (NIV)
For all the Timmys in the world, great news! You don’t have to have it. It is not You Got It!!. It should be God has you therefore you and God got this. We are to be in God’s hands and allow God to lead us and guide us. Sure we have to get on our uniform and carry the bat and stand in the batters box and take a swing but we are not alone. God is with us and uses even the weak ones and the ordinary ones to do extraordinary things. Sometimes the bat will hit the ball and other times the ball will hit the bat but either way we will get a hit. Maybe not today or tomorrow but we will get a hit and then be forced to run the bases.
Put your trust in God. Surrender to Him. Share with Him your inadequacies but your openness and vulnerability to be used by God for His glory and honor.
God has you – therefore you have this or better yet, the both of you have this together.
Keep moving forward,
Pastor Bernie Federmann
Words for the Heart 