Trusting in God’s Perfect Plan

When I was a little girl, I knew that God had gifted me athletically because I loved sports and was pretty good at them. But there was one problem: society did not allow young girls to play any organized sports. In my prayers, I asked the Lord why He gave me this talent without any opportunity, but those were the words of a child who didn’t know what the future would hold. We don’t know God’s plans for our lives, but we do know He is holy, faithful, trustworthy, and delivers on His promises like Scripture says in Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Then, a coach asked me to play on his Little League baseball team disguised as a boy. I thanked him but said, “No, thank you. I just don’t feel it’s right to hide who I am.” Thirty minutes later, another coach saw me playing baseball catch and asked me to play on her women’s fastpitch softball team, the Union Park Jets. Even though I was only 10 years old, and the average age of the players was 22, my parents said I could play. The rest is history — I went from the Union Park Jets to the Orlando Rebels, UCLA Bruins, Raybestos Brakettes, California Commotion, numerous USA National teams, played in five Pan American Games, five World Championships, and won two Olympic Gold medals.

The day I discovered fastpitch softball was the moment I learned God hears our prayers and that His plans for us exceed what we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). We do not have to hide who we are or the gifts God has given us. They are meant to be shared in God’s timing and for His glory.

After the 2000 Olympics, I got married, started a medical practice as an orthopedic surgeon, and then became executive director of a 300-acre sports, health, and education campus. I thought I would retire from this position, but sometimes, God has greater plans. 

One day, I was approached to run for city mayor and county commissioner, so I turned to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to make it clear where He wanted me to serve Him — and answer He did. When I received a phone call from the Liberty University athletic director asking me to be the next head softball coach, I told him I had never been a college head coach before. He responded, “We realize that, but we feel the Lord is leading us to you.” My husband and I flew to Lynchburg and quickly felt at peace during the visit. I accepted the job knowing the Lord was in control.

There is no doubt that God is moving at Liberty University and in the athletics department. We have competed in two Regional Finals — just three wins away from the Women’s College World Series — and God continues to shower His blessings upon us, but our true success is our commitment to the Lord. 

Whatever your career or interests, remember that you honor Him when you put your gifts into action. Trust in His plans for you and seek His will each step of the way. You will be amazed at what God can do.

For additional audio and visual resources to encourage your listeners, please visit Liberty.edu/CMB and scroll to the “Radio Resources” section.”