The Pressure of Third Base

I recently shared a message about God’s overwhelming love that I would like to share with you. While trying to express the depths of God’s love for the audience, the image of a baseball game popped into my head. Now, mind you, I am not a sports fan; however, when God desires to share His love, it does not matter what analogy He chooses to use! Imagine a player on third base with another team member up to bat. Everyone’s focus is on the runner on third base. The ball cracks against the bat, and now the pressure is on to make it to home plate. The crowd is chanting, “Run!” as the umpire watches intently to see whether the player will make it to home plate. As I spoke, God showed His love for me in this analogy.

He is the One standing at home plate, rooting for you to come home. You can do it! The angels are in the crowd, chanting, “Come home! Run! You can make it!” At that moment, getting around the bases of life seems so daunting. You are weary.

Exhausted. Totally unsure that you can make it. But as you listen to the chanting, you feel renewed energy coming from somewhere. A boost of rejuvenation from seemingly nowhere floods your body. You begin to run, and as you do, a glimpse of home plate catches your eye. You know it means victory! The image takes over, and now you are running with every ounce of power and passion within you. Your heavenly Father is at home plate, and you hear Him say, “Come home, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest!” You can hardly get there fast enough! You are now within inches of home plate.

Then you hear the word safe! You are home! The angels erupt in praise as they cheer from the stands. Tears fill your eyes. Though you feel utterly spent, you are victorious! You made it home! Whatever bases you find yourself navigating through at the moment, no matter how far away home plate seems, and no matter how weary you are, know this: it is because of God’s great love that you can successfully make it to home plate and victory.

Keep running with Jesus, and victory is certain! You will hear the words, “Well done! You are safe. Welcome home!”

Sabrina Crichlow