Spelling Test and Baseball Games

Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength"

Janet and I have been teaching this verse to our children every since they were infants.  Sometimes we wonder if our boys are 'getting it'.  The other day, I was really blessed to see one of Dawsons test come home from school.  It was a spelling test and obviously it had many words on the page.  At the bottom of the page however, Dawson had written the words "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength".  He even put Phillipians 4:13 at the end of it.

The very next week Dawson had his first big time baseball game.  He is playing in the minor division of the Little League.  They played him at various positions including pitcher and first base.  I was nervous for him pitching although he did extremely well.  After the game he asked "dad, you know when they played me at first base?"  I responded "yes".   "Well", he stated, "I was really nervous about that position.  My knees were even shaking I was so nervous.  So I just started repeating over and over in my mind, 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength'.  Then I was able to settle down and make the plays!" 

He showed me a new wristband that he had recieved from his grandparents.  Then Brayden, hearing the conversation, showed me his wristband as well.  Imprinted on both of those wristbands is Phillipians 4:13.  They both shared with me that they are wearing these bands to school everyday, as well as everywhere else, to remind themselves that God is helping them with everything that they face everyday. 

My heart was pounding like any proud papa.  I want my sons to know where their help comes from.  Not just in baseball or for a spelling test, but with everything in life.  In my opinion, Dawson certainly passed the test and regardless of the score of the baseball game, he won! 

Life can be tough, that's no secret to anyone of us!  We can face some difficult 'test' along the way.  Sometimes we are challenged to attempt things that are a little out of our comfort zone.  But if we will keep this verse in mind we can be encouraged.  This scriptures implies that it is not in 'us' to do all things, rather it clearly states that it is 'through Christ that we can do all things'.  We when really begin to understand this then we can move forward with a confidence and assurance that we can face any challenge.

I know that as a father I am to be continually teaching and training my boys, but through Dawson's spelling test and testimony of God helping him on the baseball field, I feel as though my son has taught me.  There are many challenges in life as a husband, father, minister, friend and, quite frankly, simply as a man that I often feel overwhelmed about and inadequate for.  I want to be like my boys, confident that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

ACTIVITY FOR THE WEEK:

"PLAY BALL"  Get out and play some baseball together.