A Slow Pitch
So, almost two weeks ago I was challenged by Ed Mangham to ask for a “slow pitch” opportunity. Let me briefly explain. Ed reminded us of the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Philip, one of the seven mentioned in Acts, was told by God to walk the dessert road towards Gaza. I’m sure he was thinking, “what in the world for. Why would I go walk on a dessert road where thieves and hoodlums love to lurk.” However he goes, no questions asked. While on the road a chariot starts to pass him with an Ethiopian reading from Isaiah. God again leads him to approach the chariot, and he asks, “do you understand what you are reading Ethiopian?” The Ethiopian replies, “How can I unless someone explains it to me?” He then invites Philip onto the chariot, learns that the Scripture in Isaiah is talking about Jesus, accepts Christ and asks to be baptized. An incredible couple of hours, an incredible experience for the Ethiopian, and incredible trust and willingness to obey by Philip.
A couple things
1. This was a “slow pitch” opportunity to share the message of Christ. Philip virtually did nothing except be available, and answer the questions when they came and because of God’s work ahead of time, because He is always calling people to Him, Philip was given the opportunity to hit it out of the park. Not because of Philips skill or effort, but because he followed an illogical nudge and Christ used him.
2. God was and always is already at work in peoples lives. It is our mission to be available to intersect, when God calls, to be able to ask, “Do you understand what God is already saying to you?”
3. Be willing to go, even though it might sound strange. Often I have conversations with people who are very nervous about sharing what Christ has done for them. They don’t feel prepared, or just feel plain o’l awkward. What is interesting, that the hardest part, in my opinion, from Philips story is that he was called to walked a dry, dusty and dangerous road for no apparent reason. God orchestrated the rest.
So, long story short, I asked for a low pitch opportunity after that sermon. I prayed that the Lord would use me however he saw fit, and if He is willing a slow pitch would be a great starting point. So, today I seemingly was asked to go out on a limb for no apparent reason. I was immediately reminded of the dry dessert road that Philip was called to. I’m not saying that the slow pitch will come from this, but what I have noticed is that I have 101 reasons why I shouldn’t go. It’s currently easier not to, I will make a little money if i don’t, if I do, its annoying, it will cost, I would be asked to be generous, and I don’t know what if anything will come of it…but yet I feel that still small prompting. I know I could choose the other way and it be the logical choice and I would probably be given another opportunity, even if this is an opportunity (see how I rationalize so very fast). Yet I prayed, I asked to be used, and I feel a prompting, and maybe, just maybe a slow pitch will come of it…to me or to someone else. I will go. Are you going? Has God prompted you with something (usually a small thing) Has he already given you a slow pitch? How did it go? I’d love to hear.
Loving the journey,
Darren
