Baseball

Bob and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's
team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score
was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with
two outs.

They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose
name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single,
because Love never fails. The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith
works with Love. The next batter up was named Godly wisdom. Satan wound up and
threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball
one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly
wisdom never swings at what Satan throws. The bases were loaded.

The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was now going to bring
in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace.

Bob said, "He sure doesn't look like much!"

Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had
won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of
everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But
Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He
went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on
the head and sent him crashing on the ground; then it continued over
the fence for a home run!

The Lord's team won.

The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly
Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he
did not know why.

The Lord explained, "If your love, faith and wisdom had won the
game you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom
will get you on base, but only My Grace can get you home.