John 8:25 • Prayer and Pitching

Jesus had just warned the religious elite with hard truth about the spiritual dead end they were approaching because of their unwillingness to believe in him. Their response, recorded in John 8:25, came in the form of a question. “Who are you?” they asked. The Lord answered by referring them to the transcript of everything he’d been saying since he began his ministry. He’d already declared himself to be the bread of life, the light of the world, the Messiah, the Son of God. There really was nothing more to add. This wasn’t the first time this question had been asked and answered. The problem wasn’t that they hadn’t heard, they just didn’t like what they heard. And that reminds me of baseball. Don’t worry, I’m not losing my mind. Just let me explain. I love baseball because it involves so much drama. Like pitch selection for example. With the batter standing in, the pitcher stares from the mound down the 60 feet to home plate and looks for a sign from the catcher indicating which pitch he should throw – fastball, sinker, slider, curveball, changeup, or cutter. But if he doesn’t like the signal, he’ll shake his head no and wait for another sign. This back-and-forth will continue until the pitcher gets the sign he wants. In a sense, he keeps asking the question until he gets the answer he’s looking for. And I’ve caught myself doing that with God. Here’s an example: Early in my adulthood I was asking God if I should leave Bible college to pursue music ministry full time, but he seemed silent on the subject. So, I decided to drop out of school, quit my job, and rehearse with my band anyway. And although I did spend a few years performing, touring, and recording, it just never seemed like God’s full blessing was on it. The reality wasn’t that God hadn’t answered my prayer, I just didn’t like the answer he was giving. I didn’t hear him saying, “No,” because I was listening for a, “Yes.” The rest of the story is too long and complex to tell now, but ultimately, I had to abandon that dream. But when I did, I discovered my calling. I went on to complete my Bible training and become a pastor. And I’m so thankful for the patient kindness of God that made it possible for me to spend my life doing what I was made for instead of what I desired. Are you desperate to hear from God today about something but he seems silent? Perhaps the issue is more about whether you’re willing to hear what he’s saying. Maybe now would be a good time to settle in for a few quiet moments of prayer that surrender your agenda for his. If you do, you’ll discover the fulfillment that results when you throw the pitch he’s signaling rather than insisting on the one you desire.