What does it mean to be sitting on the sidelines? It means we’re not in the game. In sports, there’s a limited amount of athletes who can be in a game at one time, and there are many reasons why certain ones have to sit out: they are injured, they aren’t starters, they’re lower on the depth chart, they don’t quite have the skills, or they’re just fans.

But what about those times when we are healthy, skilled and highly capable enough to be in the game, but we still choose not to go in? This is rare, but it does happen. Maybe we’re afraid, not comfortable with a situation, or that we’re losing and don’t want to be blamed for it.

Sometimes, it’s just more comfortable to sit on the sidelines or be part of the crowd. But, to me, this goes against what we are called to be as God’s competitors. As true competitors we should want to be in on the action, and when we can’t it burns on the inside. Whether we feel capable or not, if God (our coach) calls us up and gives us playing time, it is our job out of obedience to not sit on the sidelines but to go into the game. If we have absolute faith in Him and know that He will show us the way, it is pleasing to Him. Plus, as it says in His Word, God has not created us to be fearful. If we believe that, we can know it’s straight from the enemy.

Second Timothy 1:7 tells us that God didn’t give us a timid spirit, but one of power, love and self-discipline. If we’re called into the game, are we going to worry about our talents or are we going to be disciplined and run in because God has the faith in us to put us in? Through Jesus Christ we are given the keys to fully unlock all the confidence we need. As it says in Philippians 4:13, we can do all things through Him who gives us strength.

So, get off the sidelines, focus on Him and sprint toward the action. As it says in the FCA Competitor’s Creed, “Let the competition begin. Let the Glory be God’s!”