1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (NIV)

I was recently with some sports fans who were watching American football. During one of the plays, a player went down with many other players on top of him in a heap. As everyone got back up, the poor guy from the bottom of the heap emerged, favouring one leg. He was helped to the sidelines and was replaced with another player. Over the next few minutes, the play continued, and the camera panned to the sidelines where the player who was injured could be seen walking back and forth behind the bench with another person supporting him. It appeared to me that he was walking off the injury, which could have been a cramp in his leg. Here is where the good part comes: I was not watching the game in vain, but for God's gain, as this is what He gave me.

During our Christian walk in this world, we will at times be in the game, but at other times, for reasons such as hurt or anger or even needed times of rest, we will find ourselves on the sidelines. As in this sport, we will still observe the "game" of life going on nearby, while others come to our aid to support us in love and prayer as needed. The game will continue on, and soon, we will also be back in it.

Jesus walked it out for thirty years as a man on this earth, then He got back in the "game" for three years, teaching, praying, and healing the people of Israel. We are also called to get into the "game":

Mark 16:15 – He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for the times that You walked humbly among us, and that at the end of Your time, You gave Your life for us. Lord, help us to be in the game. Also help us to come alongside those on the sidelines to help get them back into the game. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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