1 Chronicles 22:13 (New International Version)
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe
the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
In 1984, Jim Morris was a first round draft choice to
become a major league baseball player. His dream was derailed by a series of
debilitating arm injuries before he retired in 1988. Jim got married, raised a
family of three, and got his college degree before becoming a high school
science teacher and baseball coach in a financially depressed area of West
Texas. His baseball career was reduced to playing in beer leagues and throwing
batting practice to his high school baseball team.
In 1999, at the age of 35 and some 11 years after
retiring from minor league baseball, Jim was giving a speech to his high school
team about the importance of dreams and hard work when his high school players
challenged him to pursue his dream of pitching in the major leagues. Jim made
the following bet with his high school team: if they won the District
Championship for their division, he would tryout for the first major league
team that came thru town. The team won the championship, but Jim's father
discouraged him, as did others in his hometown, about returning to baseball.
Though he had a strong arm, few people in his town,
outside of Jim and his team, believed he could pitch in the major leagues. But
later that same year, Jim Morris became the oldest rookie when he pitched for
the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. This amazing story was retold in the movie "The
Rookie".
Don't let anyone discourage you from what God has called
you to do.
Dear Lord we ask You today for a clear vision of Your
will for us, and that we will follow You with all of our heart. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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