Desperate Times? Not to God

Willie Mays began his major league baseball career with only one hit in his first 26 at-bats. Though he went on to hit 660 home runs (third on the all-time list), and steal more than 300 bases, his debut was so unimpressive it seemed unlikely he would last more than a few weeks as a big-leaguer, let alone become one of the greatest to play the game.

The turning point for Mays occurred when his manager, Leo Durocher, found him crying in the dugout after yet another miserable performance at the plate.

The coach put his arm around Mays and said, "What's the matter, son?" Mays said, "I can't hit up here. I belong in the minor leagues."

I.                   Hopeless (to her) {1-2}

A.                No where else to turn

B.                 Going from bad to worst

C.                 The first step to overcoming is hearing

II.                Helpful (Instructions) {3-4}

A.                The next step to overcoming is listening

1.                  God wants to fill you beyond measure

2.                  Get your family involved in overcoming

B.                 When you only have a little, listen to God

III.             Hopeful (Results) {5-7}

A.                She listened to the instructions from God’s servants

B.                 God will fill beyond measure, but not too much

C.                 God’s way is not our way, He goes beyond our expectation

Durocher said this to Willie Mays: "As long as I'm manager of the Giants, you'll be my centerfielder."

You know how the story ends. It wasn't long before Mays began hitting the ball, and he was on his way to becoming a legend of the game.

If Willie had been left alone in the dugout that day, his career might have ended before it started. Fortunately for him (and for baseball) someone believed in him even when he didn't believe in himself.

Durocher's speech wasn't "You're a disappointment. Do you know how much you're costing the team? You're on the verge on blowing your big chance!" He simply said, "I know that you can make it."