Artist Devo: Rejection (Bobby Bishop)

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss…” James 4:3

When I was nine years old, baseball was all I cared about. My baseball card collection was entirely impressive, and, although short, I was pretty nice at first base. I hit lead-off because I had the highest on-base percentage on my little-league team. From game one that season, I had my sights set on the obtaining a coveted spot on the town All-Star team. I worked hard for my slot, but this was not a balloted position. The coach picked who made the team, based on performance and sportsmanship. That year, like every year, my father was my head-coach, and believe me he didn’t play favorites. Despite this fact, on the day of the All-Star announcement, I was confident I had secured my slot. My father was, after all, Coach Bishop.

When Chester Lee took the All-Star spot I was simultaneously angered and hurt. Why would my father choose Chester over his own son? As soon as we got in the car, I confronted my father, through unnecessary tears. He simply stated, “Chester’s batting average was slightly higher than yours, Bob, and he hasn’t committed an error in the field all season. He’s a better player than you are on paper, and I had to be fair.”

I was still mad, though, and begrudged Dad for a few days. I got over it, though. We shagged flies every night, and I couldn’t be mad at the guy teaching me the game, right?

You know where I’m going with this. Throughout the span of my career, there have been seasons I felt rejected by God. I’ve had some of the most unimaginable, ideal opportunities offered to me, only to lose them to circumstances at the very last second. I’m talking career-defining stages and appearances. I can’t say there haven’t been moments I felt as though God didn’t trust me, or even care about my aspirations for that matter.

What I’ve had to embrace is God’s timing, as well as analyzing my motives. Am I asking God for favor for my own self-gain, or for His glory? Ultimately, God loves us unconditionally, but our aspirations need to align with His will. This means constant communion with God being one’s top priority in life. Everything else will seem fickle in comparison to the peace that comes with seeking our Maker.

Father, please teach me to prioritize my relationship with You over my own wants. I trust You love me and want what is best for me according to Your will. Amen.

For additional info on Bobby Bishop’s ministry visit: www.myspace.com/bobbybishop

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