Is life throwing you some curveballs? Some surprises that are knocking you off of your game? Learn the five things that God wants you to do to meet and overcome the curveballs life may throw at you.
DEFINING A CURVEBALL
Because it is springtime, I have baseball on my mind. Baseball used to be a huge part of our family’s life.
We attended a LOT of games with three teenage boys on three different teams (plus tournaments). In those days, I tried not to count the number because it overwhelmed me (I think our record was 75 games in one season!), but that season is behind us, and now I only watch them play for fun.
A few years ago, I found myself sitting in a restaurant looking up at a baseball game on TV with my sons. And, believe it or not, I realized I was actually missing baseball. I had fond memories of sitting in the stands on a beautiful summer evening watching them play. I remembered the smell of the grass and dust, the sounds of the bat against the ball, and the cheers of the other fans. Of course, my boys laughed at me as we took this stroll down memory lane, but we did pause and spend some time talking baseball.
WHAT IS A CURVEBALL IN BASEBALL?
Two of my sons pitched, so I was asking them about curveballs. I know that when I think of a curveball, the dictionary definition comes to mind:
something which is unexpected, surprising, or disruptive
But I wanted to understand more about curveballs in baseball.
What are they and when and why does a pitcher throw one?
My oldest son was very helpful in answering these questions. He told me that after he throws an inside fastpitch, he then uses his curveball to throw the batter off or cause him to chase the ball. Since the curveball (if thrown correctly) is meant to trick or deceive the batter into thinking the ball is coming in one way, it usually works. My son also called it a “finishing pitch,” designed to strike out the batter and finish him at the plate.
Here is what the professionals add to his description:
A successful major league batter gets a hit only 30 percent of the time he comes to bat. One of the ways pitchers lower these chances even further is by throwing a curveball. A curveball is a pitch that appears to be moving straight toward home plate but that is actually moving down and to the right or left by several inches. Obviously, a pitch that curves is going to be harder to hit than a fastball that is moving straight.”
HowStuffWorks.Com
WHAT IS A LIFE CURVEBALL?
So how does all of this baseball talk relate to curveballs in life?
This is how we connect our faith and our life here AT THE CROSSROADS: We have all been thrown our share of curveballs, right?
THE KINDS OF CURVEBALLS LIFE CAN THROW US
Some are minor daily inconveniences:
- a child gets sick, and you have to change your plans
- you get a speeding ticket as you are rushing to an appointment
- your boss asks you to stay late to work on a project when you scheduled time with your family
- the weather upsets the day’s activities
Some knock us off-balance:
- someone hits your car and causes major damage
- the refrigerator stops working, and there is no money in the budget to replace it
- your child gets hurt playing sports and requires surgery
- a good friend shares something about you behind your back
And some curve balls threaten to strike us out and take us completely out of the game:
- a loved one is diagnosed with cancer
- you lose your job
- a spouse is unfaithful
- someone close to you dies
HOW TO DEAL WITH LIFE’S CURVEBALLS
Wouldn’t it be nice if we knew the curveballs were coming and could prepare in advance?
Unfortunately, just like in baseball, the game of life doesn’t work that way.
The solution is not to avoid curveballs…they will be thrown.
We cannot waste our precious time and energy trying to avoid curveballs; instead, we need to focus on how we will respond when we are at the plate and a curveball takes us by surprise.
One of my favorite quotes by Charles Swindoll is so applicable when dealing with situations that threaten to take us out of the game:
LIFE IS 10% WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU AND 90% HOW YOU REACT TO IT
Personally, I have had some major curveballs thrown at me in almost every area of my life the past month: my health, my ministry, my family, and my friendships. They have not only surprised and shocked me, but they have also threatened to sideline me completely. Have you been there? Are you there today?
These curveballs have made me want to walk away and give up on the game altogether. Just like a batter can be humiliated at the plate for whiffing at a ball that he never sees coming, we can feel the same way. A batter is exposed at the plate. All eyes are on him as the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand and launches at high velocity. The pressure can be overwhelming.
And when life throws you a wicked curveball, the experience is full of the same emotion, pressure, and exposure. Everyone seems to be watching and waiting.
- How will she handle it?
- Will she take a swing and strike out?
- Can she stay in the game?
I do not know about you, but I do not want to be the player stuck in the dugout because of fear of striking out.
5 THINGS YOU CAN DO WHEN LIFE THROWS YOU A CURVEBALL
I believe God can even use the game of baseball to teach some profound truths. There is a way to handle life’s curveballs with His help.
I came up with the acrostic C-U-R-V-E as a guide for how to do this:
C – CALL OUT TO JESUS
He knows what’s been thrown at you and is right there to help. All you need to do is to cry out to Him for rescue.
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.
Psalm 34:17-18 (The Message)
U – USE THE BIBLE TO GAIN WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING.
God’s word can speak to you in your confusion, pain, and suffering. He has things to teach you if you are willing to listen and learn.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
R – REACH OUT TO OTHERS FOR ENCOURAGEMENT & SUPPORT
Don’t go it alone! There are other players on your team who want to be there for you. It is okay to say that you are struggling, ask for prayer, and let someone encourage you.
Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
1 Thessaloniana 5:11b (The Message)
V – VIEW CURVEBALLS AS OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW WISER & STRONGER
Try to see curveballs as teachable moments.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
E -EXPECT TO BE CONTINUALLY THROWN CURVEBALLS IN YOUR LIFE
Determine not to let them take you out of the game. Keep your focus on Jesus and press on to what He has called you to do.
Brothers , I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
SUPPORT FOR FACING LIFE’S CURVEBALLS TOGETHER
Dear friend, you may be a bit off-balance today because a curveball caught you by surprise, or you may be reeling after you faced the wickedest pitch of your life…either way, I am here to encourage you to stay in the game.
For more practical resources on how to grow spiritually even as you face curveballs, please check out my FREE FAITH PRINTABLES page to find guides on prayer, soul care, and spiritual breakthroughs. And if you are beginning your faith journey and don’t know where to start, check out my START HERE page for free resources, support, and encouragement.
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Oh, my goodness, who hasn’t been thrown multiple curve balls in this fallen world!? It is so true that, in most cases, the only redeeming option we have is to choose an attitude of grace and growth. We can certainly choose bitterness, but it is neither productive nor healthy. Such practical advice for all of us to prepare for life’s curveballs and use them as an opportunity to draw closer to Christ and to other believers. Thank you, Carla!
Nice article with practical insights. Thanks for sharing!
Welcome to At the Crossroads, Caroline! Thanks for the encouraging words. I am thankful that they spoke to you.
My family is in a place of transition and reflection as my father-n-law is in the process of dying. It’s left us mindful and a little fragile during this waiting- anticipating time.
Love the acronym.
My prayers are with you and your family during this time in the valley, Heather. I pray you will rest in the everlasting arms and feel His presence and peace.