My son Ross was on the mound for his Little League team, pitching for only the second time in his 9 year old life.
He walked two, and his confidence was shaken. Then he threw one wild pitch and hit the batter on the foot. Now
he was really rattled. He gave up a couple of hits and runs, and the bases were loaded. Suddenly, he pulled himself
together, striking out two and catching a pop-up to end the inning. After the game I told him how proud I was of his
tenacity and wondered how he got through that tough spot. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don’t know, Mom.
I just kept throwing the ball."

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about that beautifully simple philosophy. I’m not a quitter, but I have my limits. A friend
and I have been trying for more than a year to work with a local business on an idea we think will help both the company
and the community, but a lot of difficulties have blocked our way. I’m trying to use the ideas and the inspiration God has
given me to make the project work, but I’m starting to doubt myself and am ready to give up. Then I hear Ross’s innocent
words. They’re akin to Paul’s encouragement of Timothy: forge ahead, strengthened by God’s power. Only then will I know,
as Paul did, that "I have fought the good fight … and finally finished the race" (2 Tim 4:7).

Win or lose, Paul’s aim was to finish the task God set before him. I need to do the same. In my trials I’m learning that while
God doesn’t promise victory, He does offer a guarantee: If I just "keep throwing the ball", God will be beside me every
step of the way.

Give me courage and strength, Lord, to follow through and finish the job.       -Gina Bridgeman

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from
the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.         -Ro 8:38-39