When it’s Time to Leave the Sidelines and Get in the Game
Many of us prepare to watch the games, prepare our fantasy drafts, not realizing when it’s time to leave the sidelines and get in the game.
Life however is not a spectator sport. The grandstands are temporary seats until you are ready to get into the game. Sheer passion drives us out of our seats and onto the field. Watching from the sidelines is not enough, we want to be picking grass and dirt out of our teeth.
Many of us allow fear to keep us off the field. We would rather play Monday morning quarterback, complaining about the way our life ends up.
I challenge each of you to dust off your cleats and get into the game. Whether it is your career that needs some new strategic plays designed. Perhaps you feel compelled to volunteer at your church or a local nonprofit. Whatever it may be it is time to put your pads on and get on the field.
When you design your next play and watch enough film of your opponent you can win. Maybe you have been out of practice for a while after being laid off. Or you have suffered a season ending injury. There is always a new season for an envisioned comeback. Even some of the most veteran players can make incredible recoveries when they set their minds and passion towards their goal.
Numerous people remain in the grandstands all because they never hear the ‘ask’. The noise of everyday life drowns out the coaches call for them to put on their helmet and go out on the field. So many people would jump out of the stands down to the gridiron if only the coach would ask them. Whether they are a potential volunteer at church that continues to sit in the pew, or maybe someone hiding in their cubicle in corporate America. We are all waiting for our chance to be noticed, to give our dreams a chance, if only someone would ask.
Now the game. Your game. The* one that only you was meant to play. The one that was given to you when you came into this world. You ready? Take your stance. Don’t hold nothing back. Give it everything.
I am not sure about you but when I am asked to serve I am usually more compelled to get into the game than by my own volition. When we are called off the sidelines, many times it is God’s way of asking us to follow him.
Now it’s your turn, I would love to hear how you have been called into the game of life to serve others? Share in the comments below and join the conversation.
Blessings,
CJ
About Charles Johnston
Charles is a Christian, husband and father of fur-kids who shares his walk with others in hopes to help other's along the way.
Recently I was asked to help plan the ministry year for the children at our church. In the past, I’ve always only helped with the youth; little kids kinda scare me! It’s been interesting stepping into this ministry- probably not something I would have volunteered to do on my own, but I am glad someone asked me!
Little kids scare me too! Love that someone had the courage to ask you. .therefore you get stretched by following God’s path rather than your own.
Have you always been one who seems to be always in the game, always chosen to get out there and win one for the “gipper”? And then, one day the coach comes up to you and says, “Your services are no longer needed.” Whatever the reasoning. Well, I’ve found over the years as you so well put in your blog, I’m passionate about what I do, regardless of my age, my looks, my background or how many touchdowns I’ve made in the past. It’s God’s plan I’m working through, not the coach’s plans! And I still have enough desire and faith to stay in the game.
Thanks for your contribution in Blogging For God!
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Charles, this post echoes the same challenges as Kyle Idleman does in his Not a Fan book and website. You may know of him already, but if you don’t I believe you’d be blessed by his book, videos on Youtube, and website. Thanks for sharing. God bless.
Ready for football season over here, but definitely can’t sideline it in life. While God sometimes does put us in the role of cheerleader for others for a season, there is a time to answer the call from Coach and give it our all! Thanks!