After a tryout didn’t go his way, Savannah Bananas outfielder Robert Anthony Cruz (Coach RAC) learned an important lesson about becoming part of God’s family.
“Right after my senior year of college, I tried out for the Minnesota Twins, and it was technically called a pre-draft workout,” Coach RAC said in a recent Instagram video. “But I remember thinking that I did pretty good. I had one of my best rounds of batting practice. My arm strength was good from the outfield. Yet one month later, I watched the draft, and I saw the Twins pick 20 guys, and I was not on the list.”
That moment taught Cruz an important spiritual lesson.
“It is very normal for us to think that God sees us like one of these scouts, where God is just picking and choosing His best people that He wants to be part of His team,” the outfielder reflected. “And you may not feel good enough or worthy because you haven’t performed up to God’s standard.”
“Thankfully, God does not host life tryouts to see who’s worthy to have a God jersey,” he continued. “No, God delights in your mere existence.”
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Coach RAC then referenced Psalm 139:13-14, which says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
“Now, I’ve never knit anything before, but no one accidentally knits a sweater. Knitting seems like a tedious task that requires intentionality and focus. You are no accident. God intentionally knit you together,” the Banana ball player declared.
“So, what does that say about your identity? Well, you certainly don’t have to attend to try out and see if you’re worthy for God’s approval,” he continued. “He already knit you together and knows you inside and out. Yes, you feel the effects of the fractured relationship that you have with God due to your sin. But in Jesus, long before you ever had a jersey, you belonged on God’s team.”
Coach RAC’s message is a reminder that, unlike the draft board, God’s family has no cut list. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, unqualified or like you’re still waiting on an invitation, there’s no reason to wait. Through Jesus, there’s nothing left to prove and no performance to perfect. When you trust Him as your savior, you are part of His team.
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