Proverbs 3: 5-6 declares, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
I read an story that reallly illustrates this truth.
Earl Weaver, former manager of the Baltimore Orioles, had a rule that no one could steal a base unless given the steal sign. This upset his star player, Reggie Jackson, because he felt he knew the pitchers and catchers well enough to judge who he could and could not steal off of.
So, one game Jackson decided to steal without a sign. He got a good jiump off the picture and easily beat the throw to second base. As he shook the dirt off his uniform, Jackson smiled with delight, feeling he had vindicated his judgment to his manager.
Later, Weaver took Jackson asked and explained why he had NOT given the steal sign. First, the next batter was Lee May, his best power hitter other than Jackson. When Jackson stole second, first base was left open, so the other team walked May intentionally, taking the bat out of his hands.
Second, the following batter hadn’t been strong against that pitcher, so Weaver felt he had to send up a pinch hitter to try to drive in the men on base. That left Weaver without bench strength later in the game when he needed it.
The problem was, Jackson saw only his relationship to the pitcher and catcher. Earl Weaver, the manager, was watching and managing the whole game.
We, too, see only so far, but GOD sees the bigger picture. When he sends us a signal, it is wise to obey, no matter what we may think or know.
As we move forward as a church family, our commitment is to “trust in the LORD with all our heart.” Leaning on our own understanding never ends well!
Here is the winning spiritual formula: In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3: 5-6 is a great text for us during this “season” of church’s history. As we continue to watch the construction progress of our new building, we will continue to pray and seek GOD. We will acknowledge him in all ways. We are committed to allowing GOD to direct our paths toward His preferred future.
Pastor Mike