The Sidelines of Faith

Its finally …. Well, it’s almost Fall. The Friday night lights are shining, and I’ve just started my journey as a football mom. As a parent, you see so many moments—the triumphs, the fumbles, the lessons—and lately, I’ve started to see something more. Watching him has become a powerful metaphor for my own walk as a follower of Jesus.

My son is a running back, and every play, I hope he gets the ball. But the truth is, he doesn't. He can’t. Not every play is designed for him to carry the ball. Sometimes his role is to block, to be a decoy, but it’s always to be ready, just in case the play shifts. The coach knows what he’s capable of, but the team's success depends on every player knowing their part and being ready when their number is called. Every position is needed to win!

This simple truth hit me hard. How often do we, as Christians, feel like we're not "in the game"?

I think a lot of people can relate to me when I say I want to be the one carrying the ball, doing something big and noticeable for God. But just like on the football field, not every play is meant for us to have the spotlight. Our role might be to support, to prepare the way for someone else, or to simply be available for whatever God calls us to do.

Sometimes, we have to sit on the sideline and watch others make the big plays. We can do two things from the sideline, we can watch intently and cheer on our team and be available, or we can get distracted and think about ourselves and miss opportunities.

This lesson brought a few powerful scriptures to mind:

• Esther 4:14: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther was placed in a specific situation, at a specific time, to make a profound impact. Her purpose wasn’t for her own glory, but to serve God's plan. Like Esther, we are put in our unique circumstances for a reason. Maybe our job isn't to carry the ball every time, but to be ready for the one moment we are called upon for "such a time as this."

• Isaiah 6:8: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" This is the ultimate example of being ready and available. Isaiah didn't ask for details; he simply said, "Here I am." It’s a powerful reminder that our first response should be one of availability.

• Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." God has a plan. He’s already prepared the good works for us to do. We don't have to scramble to find our purpose; we just need to be ready to step into the role He has for us.

And this isn't just about us; it's also about raising the next generation. 1 Timothy 4:3 speaks of training our children. We are called to train them, to equip them with the knowledge and character to be ready for whatever God calls them to do. Just as a coach trains his players, we are called to prepare our children so they are ready to respond with a "Here am I. Send me!" when the time comes.

So, the next time you feel like you're on the sidelines of your faith, remember the football field. Your role may not be the one you imagined, but it is just as important. Practice the plays, know your role, and be ready, because when God calls you up, you’ll be prepared to run.