The Sidelines!

For we are co workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9

Fall is in the air and with it comes the long awaited beginning of a new football season. We, as grandparents, are already involved with the high school games which have begun, and our house is gearing up for another season of college football. The Georgia Bulldogs brought much joy to this house last year by winning the National Championship, and we would love nothing better than a repeat performance!

Randy and I attended our grandson’s first football game of the season this past week. It’s exciting to watch these guys who have worked so hard begin their season with a chance to put into practice all the things for which they have worked almost every day to achieve. When you have a special player on the team, you tend to follow that player wherever he is on the field or the sidelines. Our special player is the center, so we watch for good blocks, good snaps, good timing, and we celebrate each one.

As I sat watching our offense come out on the field, do their jobs, then go off the field for the defense to take over, it was interesting to watch the activity on the sidelines. It’s natural to focus only on the game on the field when you watch an athletic event, but when you are watching one player more than any other, you pick up a few things.

For some reason, the sidelines caught my attention during this game, perhaps because I was watching our grandson? Sidelines is defined as removed from the center of activity for a time. When you are on the sidelines for a break, even though you are removed from the center of activity for a short time, that doesn’t mean you aren’t involved. As the offensive line sat on the bench for a breather, the coach was there instructing, listening, and critiquing the plays and players. The others on the sideline such as the other players, physicians, trainers, equipment managers, media, water people, and support staff are busily doing their jobs

The sidelines are made up of so many different moving parts and each one is important. Those who aren’t actively playing are there to offer support, to encourage, and to instruct. Nobody on the sidelines is inactive – each one is ready to be used whenever and wherever they are needed.

God might be allowing some of us to sit on the sidelines of this life at this particular moment, but He will call us to the front lines of this world in His time. When He calls us into service, we should be ready, willing, and excited to answer because small acts of faith and courage have a domino effect. When we get off the sidelines to do what is right regardless of the circumstances or consequences, God puts us in the game!

When God decides to put us in this game, some things will happen. First, we will hear the call and have the opportunity to respond. God asks common people to do uncommon things just like Peter getting out of the boat and walking on water. With God, all things are possible.

Secondly, we will probably be fearful. Just like Moses who said to God, “I am not a good enough speaker, please use somebody else”, we won’t feel worthy of the call.

Thirdly, we will feel God’s reassurance. Joshua must have felt very unworthy to fill Moses’ shoes, but God said to him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” (Joshua 1:5)

Next, we must make a decision. Sometimes we say “yes” to God and sometimes we say “no”. When we say “yes”, we live with joy; when we say “no” we probably forfeit much of that joy, but we always have the right to make our decision.

Lastly, we can experience a changed life. Those who say “yes” to God certainly aren’t guaranteed a perfect path, but because the we answered “yes”, we can learn and grow even from our failures. Whatever God needs us to do, His call will go to the core of who we are and what we do.

Every athlete is on the sidelines for the purpose of getting into the game and making a difference. Christians have the same opportunity. Getting off the sidelines and saying “Yes” to Him will be the best decision we will ever make.

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord; over mountain or plain or sea. I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I’ll be what you want me to be. Chorus from I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go by Mary Brown