In the summer of 1993 the Atlanta Braves baseball team traded some of their minor league players for the All-Star first baseman of the San Diego Padres, Fred McGriff. He brought the Braves the firepower they needed to make a serious run for the pennant.

But what about the man McGriff replaced? Sid Bream, a believer in Christ, was the Braves regular first baseman. He had helped Atlanta get to the World Series in 1992, but with McGriff coming he was headed for the bench. “There’s no doubt something like this hurts your pride and your ego,” said Bream. “But the one thing I’m counting on is that there’s something better ahead.”

When we’ve done a job well for many years, it can be difficult to step aside for someone younger or better qualified. Elijah was in that kind of situation. His ministry was coming to end. His attitude, however, revealed his trust in God. He said to Elisha, his successor, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” (2 Ki. 2:9).

Maybe the time has come for you to give up a position you’ve held for a long while. It could be at work or even in a ministry at church. Ask God for the grace to accept His plan for you. And then step aside gracefully.

  — David C. Egner