Years ago when the New York Yankees were managed by Ralph Houk, baseball game schedules were much more demanding. In fact, teams usually played at least one double-header every week. Occasionally, a player would get sick of the grind and ask for permission to sit out a game.

“I know how you feel,” Houk would respond. “Sure, you can take the day off. But I want you to at least just play one inning since you’re already in the lineup. After that, you can have the rest of the day off.”

The player would do as Houk requested. But after the first inning, he would almost invariably get caught up in the spirit of the game and play it out until the end!

Often when we’re tired and don’t feel like going to church, praying, or spending time in God’s Word, the enemy can come against us and try to deter us from taking the first step. But if we’ll take that first step, we almost always find the next one is a bit easier.

When you feel worn out, tired, or discouraged, make the effort to take the first step forward. And above all else, trust in Jesus to give you rest and strength for each day. When you do, you may find moving forward is easier than you thought!

Prayer Challenge:

Ask God to give you the rest and energy you need to take the next step forward, wherever the enemy is trying to push you back.

Questions for Thought:
Where in your life today do you feel the enemy’s resistance to keep you from making the first step to move forward?

What first steps can you take to move forward in those areas?