Cheering From the Sidelines: Lessons Learned Through Volleyball Part 3

1 Corinthians 12:26 - If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Sunday Mikayla my 11 yr. old broke her wrist while playing with a friend in the yard. This is her first year playing volleyball with our local home school team the Lighthouse Eagles so, needless to say she was very disappointed. She has been practicing harder and getting better at her serves and returns. Her eyes filled with tears as she knew she would not be able to finish out the season. After the tears stopped flowing she asked me if we could still go to the games, she would wear her uniform and sit with her team to cheer them on. What a great attitude, even though she is on the "sidelines" she is still willing to go and support her team!

This experience has really made me ask myself some pretty hard questions. For the past several years I was part of an awesome ministry. Through this ministry I was privileged to go into the women's prison and lead a small group, teaching them how to dig into God's word and apply His truth to their lives. I also had the opportunity to be part of the prayer team, where I made some life long friends and prayer partners. God pulled me out of this ministry for a season and I am missing it. My intentions were to continue praying for them diligently, even though I was on the "sidelines". To my shame, I have dropped the ball of prayer more times than I would like to admit. Even though, I am on the sidelines my heart should be like that of my daughter's. My attitude should be to cheer them on, even if it is "from the bench", for now.

God has used my daughter's attitude of commitment from the sidelines to encourage me to get back "into the game" of praying for my sweet sisters in Christ and also for those they are ministering to. We've all had seasons in our "game of life" when we were benched either by sickness, finances, our own choices or God just said, "no".

What about you? When was the last time you were let down by circumstances beyond your control. Maybe, like Mikayla you have been working hard, practicing your "serve" and preparing for your game, but someone else is called to teach that class, lead that bible study, sing that solo. Maybe it is a work situation, you have put in long hours, done extra work, taken on more responsibility, yet someone else gets the promotion you were hoping for. How will you respond? Will you be wiling to cheer your team on from the "sidelines" or will you choose to give up on the game all together.

The church needs a few more cheerleaders today. We are not competing with one another to be the star player. We are the family of God! A family supports one another. God's word tells believers in Romans 12:15 - to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. There is no room for pouting, doubting or giving up on God's team.

So, a challenge to all us "adults"..the next time you are disappointed, let down or looked over. Remember Mikayla's response and "Cheer from the sidelines"!