Monday, June 05, 2006

Big Leagues and Little Leagues

I wish I was talking about baseball instead, sounds like it, doesn't it?

This is something I've struggled with for the past week. Something that I feel guilty about yet at the same time, a bit disgruntled. OK, a lot more disgruntled than I let out. Something that I think God's trying to teach me. Patience..... (Now, that's a scary word!) and my motives for doing things.

I'm reminded of the VeggieTales' take on the story of David and Goliath. Dave and the Giant Pickle, to be exact. Yes, I agree, its outline is a bit unusual, but the gist of it remains. At this point in time, I'm pretty much like Dave in the desert, running around, picking up sheep off the ground, not doing anything "significant" or to be more precise, not involved in anything more significant than the brothers would let. And yes, singing the song "Why can't little guys do big things too....?"

Then, of course, you know how the story goes. Dave gallantly fights the Giant Pickle, with 5 stones in his hand, a sling and God on his side, the Giant came tumbling down. Everyone cheers and the little guy got to do the big thing that he's been wanting to do and have been singing about.

I haven't had my Goliath yet, at least, I think I haven't. I'm still stuck in that desert wishing to do more than I think I should be doing. I can do great things too, I'm capable. I can fight Goliaths, I can take on big things, I should be taking on big things. But ultimately, the questions that surfaced are: Yes, I am more than capable of taking things on, but to whose glory will I credit it to; myself or God? To whose righteousness am I standing on; my own or His Righteousness? To whose strength am I relying on; my own human strength or God's abundant strength?

It's no fun picking up sheep in the desert. No fun at all when everyone you know is out there planning on how to defeat Goliath. Doing the big things and not being involved.

But I would rather fight my Goliaths with God on my side than on my own with no one else around. So if it means having to put up with picking up sheep in the desert, I'll do it. If Dave gets the Giant Pickle to pick on in the end, I will have my own as well, in His time. Impatience comes easier than patience, the waiting game is the hardest to play, but in His time, there will be a chance for me.

1 comment:

~YinZ~ said...

There are times when we wonder why we are still stuck in the "small leagues" but know that whether you are in the big or small league, God is ever with us and He looks at our hearts and our faithfulness rather than the immensity of what we do or can do (Note: Read Matthew 25:14-30). I just want to encourage you that I believe that you will be part of the "big leagues" as you mature in the Lord but as King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven (Eccl 3:1). Wait for God's timing for you but most of all, be faithful in the little things and ENJOY whatever you do in the "small leagues". Remember, your attitude will determine your altitude. The "small leagues" are a stepping stone before you go forth into the "big leagues". Stay positive and know that our God is worthy of all glory, honour and praise in every way. =o)