Don’t Swing at Bad Pitches
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." - Ephesians 5:15-16
Michael Jordan’s brief stint in baseball was a reminder that even the greatest can make mistakes. His downfall at the plate wasn’t due to a lack of effort but a tendency to swing at bad pitches—balls outside the strike zone that weren’t worth chasing. And while most of us aren’t standing at home plate, we’ve all had moments where we’ve swung at the wrong pitch in life.
A bad pitch in life is any decision, opportunity, or distraction that pulls you off course. It might look good at first glance, but it’s outside the zone of what’s right for you. Maybe it’s chasing after a relationship that you know isn’t healthy, taking a job that doesn’t align with your values, or making a choice in the heat of the moment that leads to regret. Swinging at bad pitches can lead to strikeouts, not just in baseball, but in your spiritual walk, your relationships, and your purpose.
The key to avoiding bad pitches is discernment. Just like a batter studies the pitcher, you need to stay in tune with what God is calling you to do. Not every opportunity is meant for you, and not every decision that seems right in the moment is worth pursuing. The world throws all kinds of pitches your way, some designed to distract, others to tempt, and many to derail you from God’s plan.
The good news is you don’t have to swing at everything. God gives you the wisdom to know which opportunities to embrace and which to let go. Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel are like your batting coaches, helping you recognize what’s worth your effort and what isn’t.
Life isn’t about hitting every pitch. It’s about making the most of the ones that are in your zone. The ones that align with God’s purpose for you. When you let God guide your decisions, you’ll stop swinging at the bad pitches and focus on the ones that will help you succeed. Stay patient, stay focused, and trust Him to help you make the right choices. The next pitch might just be the one that changes the game for you.
Michael Jordan’s brief stint in baseball was a reminder that even the greatest can make mistakes. His downfall at the plate wasn’t due to a lack of effort but a tendency to swing at bad pitches—balls outside the strike zone that weren’t worth chasing. And while most of us aren’t standing at home plate, we’ve all had moments where we’ve swung at the wrong pitch in life.
A bad pitch in life is any decision, opportunity, or distraction that pulls you off course. It might look good at first glance, but it’s outside the zone of what’s right for you. Maybe it’s chasing after a relationship that you know isn’t healthy, taking a job that doesn’t align with your values, or making a choice in the heat of the moment that leads to regret. Swinging at bad pitches can lead to strikeouts, not just in baseball, but in your spiritual walk, your relationships, and your purpose.
The key to avoiding bad pitches is discernment. Just like a batter studies the pitcher, you need to stay in tune with what God is calling you to do. Not every opportunity is meant for you, and not every decision that seems right in the moment is worth pursuing. The world throws all kinds of pitches your way, some designed to distract, others to tempt, and many to derail you from God’s plan.
The good news is you don’t have to swing at everything. God gives you the wisdom to know which opportunities to embrace and which to let go. Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel are like your batting coaches, helping you recognize what’s worth your effort and what isn’t.
Life isn’t about hitting every pitch. It’s about making the most of the ones that are in your zone. The ones that align with God’s purpose for you. When you let God guide your decisions, you’ll stop swinging at the bad pitches and focus on the ones that will help you succeed. Stay patient, stay focused, and trust Him to help you make the right choices. The next pitch might just be the one that changes the game for you.
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