Dancing in the Dugout

 Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Excerpt from "A New Thing Ministries": 

  The story was about a young boy who was playing in the Little League World Series; his team was losing 20-0. Not a very fun thing for a little boy. They had already lost one game and this game, which was an obvious loss, would eliminate them from the rest of the tournament.

  As the little boys walked into the dugout, they were all in tears, one little boy, with tears streaming down his face had to go up to bat. As the little boy approached the plate his father came up to him and asked him a question; he said 'do you want to do this crying or happily?' The little boy decided to do it happily. He began to dance. As he walked back to the dugout, he danced. When he was in the outfield he danced. Before he knew it everyone was laughing and the loser atmosphere had totally changed, and he just kept dancing.

  Did they win? No, but they did score three points after he stopped crying and began to dance, I can only imagine what would have happened if they had that attitude of joy from the very beginning. Beyond that, they enjoyed themselves.

  The little boy said that his father told him to enjoy himself, so he did. How simple.

  Did you realize our Father has told us the same thing? Jesus said 'I came that you might have life and enjoy it to the full.' Do you enjoy life every day?

  I know there are times and situations that are challenging, but are you enjoying life, the life that Jesus came to give you?

  Sometimes joy and gladness doesn't come naturally, sometimes you have to make yourself be glad.

 My friends, we have every reason to rejoice and enjoy life, regardless of what challenges we face, we serve a mighty God, who will never leave us nor forsake us.

  If it looks like you are losing the game, dance in the dugout. If it looks like everything is stacked against you, dance in the dugout. If you have been feeling depressed or confused, dance in the dugout. Take a few minutes today and dance before the Lord. 

 Praise stops the enemy. The dance will change the atmosphere. Dance before the Lord today, praise Him with abandon and watch the outcome change.   

By: Kim Potter

 Psalms 33:1  Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

I have personally witnessed God move in a mighty way when I rejoiced in Him instead of crying in despair! The joy of the Lord IS my strength and it will be yours too when you put your faith into action and DANCE IN THE DUGOUT!

Anna Fugatt