Whatever It Takes
- Richard Selke
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 19
August 20, 2025
LISTEN TO AUDIO
It was the end of the eighth inning, and the Astros trailed the Red Sox 12-0. It was a tough situation for the Astros – they’d run out of pitchers.
In that moment, Chas McCormick was all they had. And Chas is not a major league pitcher – he’s an outfielder. But he got out there and gave it his all.
It was awkward.
One of the reasons I love baseball, and perhaps why it’s so popular, is because baseball is a metaphor for life. Individual players show up every day and come together as a team. They practice hard and prepare as best they can for whatever might happen. And when the game is over, that’s it. Tomorrow is another day – with another game to play.
The game begins. Some things are expected – the double play they’ve practiced hundreds of times, the catcher’s throw that nails the runner at second, the perfectly timed walk-off home run that wins the game. But other things happen that aren’t expected – like running out of pitchers.
I wish I’d been able to hear the conversation before Chas took the mound. Who came up with the idea? Was it the manager, Joe Espada? An assistant coach? Maybe one of the players? Or did Chas simply stand up and say, “Put me in coach! I’m ready to play”?
Someone else might have said, “That’s not my role. I’m an outfielder, not a pitcher. Find someone else. Let somebody else get out there and take the risk in front of all of the fans present and watching on TV.”
But Chas chose not to stay on the bench. He took the mound in the ninth, pitched his best – and finished the game.
It wasn’t pretty. But it wasn’t that bad. The game was already out of reach, yet Chas showed up, stood tall and served his team. He wasn’t just an outfielder. He was a teammate willing to do whatever it took.
Moments like this remind us of our own walk with Christ. God often calls us into places where we feel unprepared, unqualified or out of position. We might say, “That’s not my role. Find someone else. Let somebody else take the risk.” But the Lord calls us to step forward anyway, trusting that He will do the rest.
The prophet Isaiah gives us these words: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8, NIV
Although we may feel out of place, when we say “yes” to God, He uses our obedience to accomplish more than we can imagine. It may not always look “pretty,” but faithfulness to God is what matters most.
Thanks Chas – for a tremendous display of team spirit, humility, courage, boldness and leadership. You remind us that God doesn’t always use us in the roles we think we’re suited for – He calls us to be available, to trust Him and to say, “Here I am. Send me!”
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, step up with faith and serve however He calls!
QUESTION
In what ways might God be asking you to step forward with faith and serve Him?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for reminding us through a simple baseball game that You call us to step forward with courage, even when it feels uncomfortable. Give us boldness to respond, humility to serve and faith to trust You with the outcome. Help us live with a “whatever it takes” spirit for the sake of Your kingdom.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24, ESV
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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