Mark Appel was destined for baseball greatness. The former Stanford pitcher was selected No. 1 overall in 2013 by the Houston Astros. Many thought it was just a matter of time before he would make it to the major leagues. But Appel’s career path didn’t go as everyone expected. He never made it to the big leagues. He faced hard, unexpected circumstances in his career that could have left him bitter and disappointed. Instead, God showed him that he had everything he needed in life with this Bible verse: “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-14).

Exodus 6-7 – It’s Dangerous to Resist God’s Grace

While God softened Appel’s heart, Pharaoh repeatedly refused to obey God’s commands to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt. Yet, the Lord continued to give him opportunities to repent. Eventually, however, the Lord gave him over to his hardness of heart, allowing him to remain in stubborn rebellion. (Exodus 7:3).  

The same principle is true today. We are living in the day of grace when salvation is freely available to all who believe, but that day will not last forever. It’s dangerous to resist God’s grace. Every time someone refuses to repent, that repentance becomes more difficult. “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). 

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe the Lord uses hardship to further His purposes in their lives. He uses difficult circumstances to lead people to repentance and salvation and make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ.

Bible Memory Verse – “But, indeed, for this reason I have caused you to stand, in order to show you My power and in order to recount My name through all the earth.” Exodus 9:16 (LSB)