“You can run be you are not going to be able to hide.”
“You may get away with things this time, but I am going to find you.”
“Three strikes and you are out!”
Everywhere I turn there are fresh examples of people in trouble, grabbling with pain beyond their abilities to manage, and no sense of where refuge can be found. Sometimes when the problems are of our own making and we find it hard to believe that anyone else could be sympathetic. When the cause of our pain is elsewhere judgment, criticism, and revenge quickly run to their corners in our souls. Rarely, if ever, is there a neutral, safe corner where one can run.
Baseball gives a unique insight into God. In the middle of a game that is aggressive, competitive, and at times ruthless, one finds islands of safety and hope. When one is in trouble, run to a base and rest. When one tries run out of room, make sure you are where you are safe. As the limits of your own abilities are stretched beyond their boundaries being in a safe position allows others to help you contribute to winning the game. Rarely does anyone score a run alone; usually runs are scored when everyone plays as a team, integrated, supportive, and building upon shared success.
“God’s name is a place of protection – good people can run there and be safe.” (Proverbs 18.11)
The response I often find myself giving to this proverb is that “I am not qualified to play at this level” or “I do not deserve this”. Both statements are accurate and at the same time wrong. Given our actions, decisions, and choices, you and I do not deserve to play in the game. We have made some horrific mistakes that should cost us the opportunity to participate. Yet we are still here, ready and engaged.
The reason is simple. God loves you and I unconditionally, just as we are. She is looking to restore us to our full potential because we are children of God.
