A recent post to the Jack’s Winning Words blog used this sports quote – “The man with the ball is responsible for what happens to the ball.” (Branch Rickey)
Another sports saying, probably from tennis, is the familiar, “the ball’s in your court.” Others include, “you’ve got the ball”, “give me the ball” and the ever popular, “don’t drop the ball.”
Sports metaphors are often used in inspirational speeches because they are easy to relate 
to and usually simplistic. Most people grew up playing sports of some sort and can quickly relate to how “life is like (fill in your favorite sports metaphor here). Many sports involve a ball of some sort and size, so metaphors that involve a ball are common. When we succeed, we got the ball over the goal line or in the goal; however, when we fail we dropped the ball. What will you do with the ball?
Having the ball is much different from just being a spectator and watching the ball. Some tend to approach life as if they are a spectator. They sit back and watch rather than take the ball and do something with it. Yet life often thrusts the ball into our hands and we are forced to do something with it. We can pull back and drop the ball or we can take it across the goal line. What will you do with the ball?
Your faith is the ball that God hands off to you. You can take it and run with it, living 
your life in such a way that you get the ball over the goal line or you can fumble the ball. Just as the football player with the ball may have to break a few tackles to get to the goal line, you will likely have to endure some obstacles and things that want to bring you down on your way to the end zone. Hold strong to your faith (the ball) and you will reach the goal line. Your end zone is eternal life and you have the ball. What will you do with the ball?
So, to slightly modify Mr. Rickey’s quote – The man with faith is responsible for what happens to that faith. What will you do with your faith?
You have the ball. What will you do with the ball?
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