A Peace that can't be understood.

"I've got the Peace that passes understanding down in my heart.  Where?  Down in my heart.  Down in my heart to stay!"

After a week off from writing on this blog, a good topic hit me this morning.  What am I known most for?  What is my identity?  Well, outside looking in, most would describe me as a good guy who is a baseball player.  Pitcher Andy Mitchell.  Well that may well be a past title.  After all of the offseason done gone by and still no offer to stay in MLB affiliated professional baseball, I would say a career change has to come.  Ten seasons of chasing a dream, pitching at a high level in baseball, and traveling all around the country could be over.  God blessed me with a job that was a dream of mine and every boy growing up.  Through this blessing, I was able to take my career past any expectations based on my ability.  It's all an example of God's grace at work in my life, but there is one example bigger than that.  The fact that that part of my life may be coming to an end (still hold out a little Hope to stay in baseball) and I can have this much Peace and calm about my future is amazing.  It all comes down to the Faith I have that God is sovereign over my life.  I know I have to act out His miracles and plans, but I know they are HIS plans.  Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that for those that love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."  This is one of many verses that give me the calm in such a situation.  This verse is also one that gave Becky peace at a hard time in her life when her mom passed away.  This verse doesn't mean we will be given what we want or think we need.  It means that God's plan is greater than ours.  It means we can rest our Faith on him, no need to worry or try to plan everything in the future.  It also makes me realize that when it does "work for the good" it is working for His purpose.  Our purpose is to glorify God.  

This post is my small way to point the Peace I have towards Him.  I'm not strong enough to handle the disappointment of not getting offered a contract this season.  I'm not strong enough to be patient on the next door to open up.  But Jesus, The Holy Spirit that lives in my heart is strong enough.  This is the same Holy Spirit that stirred in me and called me to open my eyes to acknowledge Christ as Lord.  This past season I sat on an inactive roster for 100 out of 144 games in AAA.  The opportunity God gave me to show Himself in me was great.  I was able to stay patient, upbeat, and be an example for others going through the same thing.  A couple times certain teammates would ask me how I can handle such a situation so well.  I was able to share my Faith and explain the calm I have knowing God is in control and His plan was for me to glorify Him wherever I am placed.  

So this being said, Baseball is great.  I wouldn't want to do anything else if I had the choice.  But as I grow in Christ and grow in a deeper knowledge of the gospel, my main goal is to glorify His name in whatever I do.  I want to get my flesh out of the way so that He can live through me for His purpose.  My identity is not Pitcher Andy Mitchell.  It is Andy Mitchell, child of God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  I will still sin and make mistakes by forgetting all of this truth, but as long as I can preach the gospel to myself and others I will feel the truth of being accepted by God and seen as righteous no matter what I do in the future.  Thank you Lord for your Sovereignty, Grace, and Mercy.  I want to know it more and more, this truly Amazing Grace.