The Tennis Missionary Daily Verse Blog

Blog EntryAll together - Be patientNov 21, '07 11:23 PM
for everyone

Be patient.

At any given time four to six of the eight world number one tennis players or teams sit at several tables in the players area at a tournament.  I must say it is a very odd feeling for me to see then all in one glance. The grouping would be men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, wheelchair men's singles, wheelchair women's singles, wheelchair men's doubles and wheelchair women's doubles.  Then I sit down with each player or team going to each table.  Again, that is a very strange feeling for me.

How did this happen?  It took years of building relationships and friendships with these players.  Why is it important?  Each time I sit with one of these players, I bring in some way the thought of God to that table, where none or very little existed before.  Over a period of time it has an impact on the thinking of that player.

Today, I am able to be received by seven of the eight.  One of the eight, requires wisdom now.  I had good relationship to the player on the basis of the coach, whom I have known for years.  Now the coach is removed.  I need to use wisdom, and sometimes it is best to stay afar, pray and to wait until the circumstances or people change in that persons life.  With another, it took years of patiently waiting until God brought the circumstances to return favorably.

I know that I am in a very unique position.  I am the only person on the pro tour who is able to sit with all the number ones.   I just give credit to God for creating favour and wisdom.  It is also important to understand that circumstances change.  But one thing does not change and that is Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.  That is how you and I can get through any changing circumstance by basing our trust, confidence and actions on this Rock.


nycrev wrote on Nov 23, '07
God has His perfect plan when He placed you in the midst of these athletes. Divine appointment is such a wonderful thing and the result will have a tremendous impact not only in your life but the lives of the people you ministered to. In His perfect time you will see the end result of your obedience. In the meantime the fruit of the Spirit, Patience is being perfected in you. Enjoy!!
abbotts wrote on Nov 28, '07
How did this happen? It took years of building relationships and friendships with these players.
That's the key, relationship. Discipleship is relationship.
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dailyverse wrote on Dec 8, '07
fbaxter said
With a player(s) that you have developed such a relationship with, you might open a conversation like this: If I die tonight, where would YOU like for me to be tomorrow? Heaven or Hell?
May God's Blessing continue to strengthen you in this work.
Thank you for your comments and encouragement. Yes, I am also looking for ways to develop a real trusting friendship with others and ways to speak to others that is real and meaningful. I appreciate your prayers for wisdom and open doors. - Pastor Bob
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