By Bill Crowder
Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, . . . but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings. —1 Peter 4:12-13
George Bernard Shaw once said, “England and America are two countries separated by a common language.†An example from the world of sports demonstrates his point.
As a lifelong baseball fan, I’m familiar with the term curveball. It’s a ball thrown by the pitcher in such a way that it changes direction, fooling the opponent. In cricket, the strategy is similar but the word is very different. The bowler (pitcher) tries to overcome the batsman by “bowling a googley†(pitching a curveball).
Though games and cultures differ, the concept of the curveball portrays a reality familiar in any language. Life is full of times when we are unsuspectingly “bowled a googley,†and we find ourselves overwhelmed. In those moments of fear and confusion, it’s comforting to know we have a God who is sufficient for any challenge.
Trials are to be expected (1 Peter 4:12). Yet we may well be shocked by the circumstances facing us. But God is never surprised! He permits our trials, and He can enable us to respond to them in a way that honors Him.
When we suffer, we must “commit [our] souls to Him in doing good,†wrote Peter (v.19). In God’s strength, we can face life’s most troublesome curveballs. —
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