Life is full of surprises. It often places us in difficult situations about which we have no clue. Many times a good opportunity, comes up, but we pass it up out of fear that we do not have the necessary skills and technical know-how.
In the game of baseball, a curve ball is difficult to hit. Many pitcher uses it as a secret weapon. However, if a curve ball is not well-directed, the hitter could hit that baby out of the park. Therefore, even though a curve ball is intimidating, It need not be a terrible thing.
Some years ago my wife turned down a management position at her job because she thought she did not have what it takes. Being a manager was far too intimidating. Hence nobody could convince her to take the job. She cited every possible reason there was to support her argument that she was not the right person for the job.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
What do you do when life throws you a curve ball? One can either throw his or her hands in the air, and surrender to the fear of failure or one can do what young Solomon did. He asked God for understanding
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Solomon was no more than twenty years old when his dying father, appointed him king of Israel. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give thee”. Solomon responded thus: “Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king, but I am a little child; I do not know whether I am coming or going. Hence, Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too many to count. Therefore, give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil: for who can rule over this great nation of yours?”
The speech pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God say to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice. Behold, I have done according to your words. I have given you a wise and understanding heart so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. Likewise, I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if, thou walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days” (1 Kings 3:7-14).
Let's Talk Gospel 
Hey Noel,
What a blessing this post is. I have had many “curve balls” sent my way this year. God has never shown me so much during them. Thank you for reminding us that life is a struggle at times, more times than others. If we always turn to God, do what He is calling us to do, and remain faithful to Him in all things, then in the end He will give to us the “grace of understanding” and will move us forward. Great post and God Bless, SR
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Hello SR! Happy New Year. It has been quite a while since I have seen anything from you. I figured you must have been quite busy.
Thanks so much for your comment. I am truly excited to hear from you once more. God blesses.
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It is good to be back. I have been very ill since September but am feeling much better. Many things had to shut down in my life. After reading and thinking about your post this morning and reflecting back, I understood God hit my curve balls with His bat:>) Now I am on the home run stretch, having had run all the bases. Good post Noel. You have such a special gift and you can always see the Holy Spirit in all of your words. Happy New Year to you as well. God Bless, SR
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Reblogged this on GoodOleWoody's Blog and Website.
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Greetings Noel! Thanks for this insightful lesson. I have had many curve balls thrown at me as well, but it wasn’t until I sought God’s wisdom and understanding, that I was able to meet those challenges head on and have a great outcome from many of them.
Blessings to you my dear brother in the Lord!
Minister Glenda
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Hello Minister Glenda! Thanks so much for your sincere comment. I have had my share of curve balls, but through it all I have learned to trust God more. There is always a good lesson to learn from a bad situation. Some times we tend to lean on our own understanding, but we soon realize how inadequate and incapable we are.
Thanks again. God blesses.
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Amen Bro. Noel….I know I can’t make it without the Lord. Have a blessed day my brother!
Minister Glenda
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Great post, Noel! Wisdom is something we should all ask for especially in this troubled world!
God Bless you!
P.S. Just noticed the little airplane below — I like it!
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Lady D, You are a blessing. You choose your words carefully, whether you are writing a post or making a comment. I agree with you–we need wisdom to navigate especially in these troubled times.
Thanks a million for your continued encouragements. God blesses.
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Curve balls . . . I know absolutely nothing about baseball, but yes, I have experienced curve balls, and I have discovered (the hard way) that there is no such thing as a curve ball that fools or perplexes or hinders our amazing God in any way. When He is ‘sent out to bat’ HE has the victory in hand and the devil and his forces flee.
What an incredibly amazing God who ALWAYS knows what is best for us and has guaranteed us victory when we submit to Him and trust only Him.
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Hello Angela! It is good to hear from you. Thanks for the encouragement. I trust that the flood victims down under are cooping. In times like this they need the patience of a Greg Chappel and the stamina of a Jeff Thompson.
One song writer said: Through it all I have learned to trust in Jesus, I have learned to trust in God. I have learned to depend upon His words. He goes on to say, if I never had problems I would never know God could solve them.
We serve an amazing God who will never leave us nor forsake us.
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Noel, many of the flood victims will never recover. About 50 homes have been/will be demolished. About 300-400 are gutted, with all the interior walls and ceilings removed. About 3000 homes lost all the contents, which means so many lost all their possessions. We have a tent city at the showgrounds where many are camped until they are able to return to their homes. They could be there for many months.
Heavy rain has returned again, and while there is no danger of flooding this time, many children and old people and those who were winched to safety from their rooftops or from their back yards with water above their waists and rising quickly are traumatised by the deluge we are receiving (12 inches of rain over a couple of days and more to come)
On the other hand, we have heard some very uplifting testimonies of how the Lord provided for some of His people, and we praise Him for countless opportunities to witness in word and deed.
Indeed we do serve an incredibly amazing and powerful God.
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Great message, Noel!
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With some, a simple, direct approach is best:
“Dude, I. This is a referred as fasting mode where you should not have eaten anything for the last 8 hours. The key to healthy and enjoyable meal is having a basic understanding of nutrition.
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Wow that was odd. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say
superb blog!
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