Put me in, coach!
I was watching a football game the other day when I saw something interesting. The team was out to a big lead, and just a few minutes remained on the clock. This team has struggled all season, but was winning this game big.
Earlier in the year, the team had started a different quarterback, but he struggled mightily and was finally replaced by his backup a few weeks ago. With just a few minutes remaining in the most recent game, the head coach walked down the bench and asked the player if he would like to go in the game. A fairly lengthy conversation ensued, with the player obviously declining to go in. When the team got the ball back, the former starter stood alone on the sideline while the third stringer went in to finish the game.
I have felt badly for the player who lost his starting job. He had looked forward to leading the team for several years, envisioning a pro career that will follow a successful stint in college. But the reality now was that his dreams were most likely over.
But now I was angry. I mean, c’mon! He is still getting a free education at one of the nation’s top schools. He could still earn his starting position back. And instead he’s going to be sullen and mopey? Time to grow up!
And as I sat there, thinking how I would never do such a thing, I had an epiphany. I’ve done the exact same thing, only not in the football world, but in God’s world. God has asked me to do things for Him, and I have said no, and then pouted when things didn’t go my way. Or I would grudgingly follow His path, complaining the whole way. I might obey, but I was going to let God know I wasn’t happy about it!
The truth is, if we are following God and obeying Him, taking the path that He sets out for us, we should rejoice. If He has chosen a “special assignment” for us, whether it is taking care of our family or going to a foreign land to serve, to be in His will is a wonderful, blessed thing.
I had an email from a friend who is serving God overseas. She has had to learn a new language, new foods and new customs. Recently, she found herself sitting at a table with an animal’s stomach lining in front of her.
Folks, I would have been out of there!
But not my friend. She may have wanted to run out of there screaming, and caught the first plane back to the States, but she didn’t. Instead, she graciously sat with these people, waiting for the right time to tell them about our Lord.
In other words, she answered God’s call to take the field and lead His team, with the ultimate goal of life everlasting…
Now there’s a touchdown!
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