When I heard the announcement at church, I was so excited. It was a chance to play on a real softball team again.
You see, I played softball for years when I was kid. My position was second base. I played that position in the Knox County and state championship games. I also played it in invitational tournaments. So, when the church organized a lady’s softball team as part of the outreach ministry, I immediately signed up. I couldn’t wait to smell the infield dirt.
By the way, this was around the year 2000 and I hadn’t stood on a ball field since the early 80s. One more thing, I was a lot younger and spryer at that time.
When we had our first practice, somebody wanted to play second base. I didn’t say anything. This was a mission for The Lord and not about me. So, when the coach asked if I would play outfield, I quickly agreed.
Early during the season, the lady playing second base said she was tired of that position. She didn’t like infield. Not everybody does. Balls can come at you hard and fast. Anyway, when the coach announced that, my cousin (and previous teammate) Lynda stated, “Brooke knows how to play second base.” I quickly agreed and trotted out to my new/old position. I am going to be very honest, standing next to second base felt so good!
Then, I noticed the coach for the other team watching me. I didn’t think anything about it until he walked over to the ladies waiting to bat. I knew he wondered why I had not started out at second base and he wondered if I was any good at that position. The first ball was a grounder hit straight to me. I politely stopped it and threw it to first base. Out! The second ball was also a grounder that went straight to me. It was hit a little harder than the first one, but I still stopped it and threw it to first base. Out! The second was a pop up that, again, came to me. I caught it. Out! As we say in softball: “Three up; Three down!”
“Submit yourselves therefor to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (KJV)
Like the coach for the other team, Satan will send problems your way to see what you are made of. He especially aims for those who are working to further God’s kingdom. His hope is to deter or even stop the work they are trying to do. When this happens, don’t give in to him. Instead, pray about it and submit yourselves to God. The devil can’t handle that.
I took my stance when I went back out to second base. Being the mature thirty-something I was at the time; I crossed my arms in defiance and made eye contact with the coach. He immediately turned to the girls waiting to bat on deck and shook his head no as he pointed at me. You know what? No other balls headed my way the rest of the game.

Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.