A coach looks at his players’ strengths and weaknesses and decides who will play and how long they will be in the game. He or she often will take players out of the game to get some rest or to give someone else some playing time.

When I played softball in college, our shortstop had a very positive, contagious personality. When she was out of the game, you could tell the difference on the field. The game of life is no different. When a loved one leaves the playing field, they are dearly missed. For those who believe in Christ as Savior, this is a welcome call home. The rest of the “team” will miss them dearly, but they can find peace in knowing that the Creator, our Coach, has a plan.

God puts each of us in the game of life at just the right time: His time. God will also pull us out of the game at just the right time: His time. Some of us will get more playing time than others, but we each have some choices to make. How will we play while we are in the game? Are we focused on our purpose? Are we enjoying the game? Are we giving glory to God and lifting others up along the way?

A couple years ago, our FCA Endurance Huddle had two relay teams in the Ragnar del Sol running relay from Prescott, Ariz., to Tempe. During our rest leg, we were awakened by sirens. A runner had been giving aid to a teammate and was struck by a car. He died a few days later. High school senior Robby Mayasich was called out of the race of life by his Creator. His team and family still miss him terribly. May they all find peace in knowing that the same God who blessed them dearly by putting Robby in their lives loves them and needs them to stay in the race a bit longer.

God had a purpose for Robby. He has a purpose for his family. He has a purpose for each of us, no matter how much playing time we may get. Today, let’s play the game well.