One of my favorite movies of all time is The Sandlot. I’ve seen it so many times now I can practically quote the entire thing word for word. I loved it when I was a kid and now my kids love it too. One of my favorite scenes is when Benny, the best baseball player in the movie, is teaching the new kid Scotty Smalls how to play. Smalls is brand new to baseball–he has zero skills and zero confidence in himself. But Benny sees the potential in him, so he recruits him to join their team despite his lack of experience. One day while they’re practicing Smalls is feeling especially discouraged and uncertain of himself, “how do I catch it?” he asks Benny. Benny’s simple response is, “Just stand there and stick your glove out in the air. I’ll take care of it.”
A few seconds later Smalls raises his glove high in the air–shaky, eyes closed, yet full of faith that Benny would do what he said. And sure enough, he did. Benny hits a pop fly that lands perfectly in Smalls’ outstretched glove. Smalls eyes open in amazement.
He caught the ball.
Isn’t that how God works in our life? Often times when we’re the most uncertain, the most full of doubt, He asks us to put our glove in the air and trust Him. He asks us to have faith in Him to do what He said He would do. Sure, it’s scary and just plain hard, especially when it seems like nothing is happening. But I know one thing for sure–God loves that kind of faith. And when the time is right, He will deliver.
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faith.” Isaiah 40:31
I don’t know what you’re walking through in this season of your life but I encourage you to keep your glove in the air and trust the Lord Almighty to take care of it. Surrender your inability to catch that ball on your own and boldly wait on the Lord your God to take care of it. Reject fear. Reject doubt. And remember–we serve a God who keeps His word. But it’s only when we’re willing to be faithful and hold up our glove in the air that we get to see what God is capable of.
I so appreciate your devotionals, and this one was posted on the day I needed to see it ❤️. God is good that way. Thank you for this reminder to have faith, and to keep my glove up in the air.
Thank you for this, it is exactly what I needed to read right now!
Love this! Also love this movie as well ♥️♥️
I’ve had my glove up in the air waiting for God for over 5 years now. I know he will deliver in his time. He’s work on it . I keep my faith tho
This spoke to me today, Sarah! Thank you so much for sharing your heart and faith.
Your sister in Christ,
Michele
Thank you so much for this good word ❤️ needed this with the recent season I’ve found myself in.
What a terrific analogy! I love that movie, but now, you’ve given me a new perspective to it. Thank you Sarah. I really enjoy your devotional. Keep them coming.
This is beautiful, so well said. I feel encouraged and plan to lean into my faith!
My glove is way high in the air. I lost my husband very unexpectedly last year. The day before Mother’s Day. He passed away in the car with me. We were just days shy of our 30th Wedding Anniversary. He was also our Pastor. It is a huge loss for us. Something I don’t understand. All I have is my Faith. I am focused on doing everything I can to get to my Heavenly Home with my Husband. I will never put my glove down.
I too love the sandlot movie and I loved this devotional with the club because we are a big baseball family. Thank you so much.
Sister i so needed that today! life is hard! thank you for sharing!
Thank you for the encouragement, Sarah. I’m putting my glove in the air too!
What a beautiful picture of faith in God. Thank you for sharing, Sarah. He’s faithful and we can trust him to do what he said he will do. Have a great day!
WONDERFUL encouragement, Sarah Joy–thank you! / Lord, help me to be faithful and hold up my glove. I KNOW You are capable of amazing things!