Joe Burrow is down. Carted off the field and into the tunnel.
Meet Ryan Finley. According to announcers, Ryan hadn't seen much playing time and probably wasn't thinking about playing yesterday. Five minutes after Joe Burrow went down, Ryan Finley is on the field as the new quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.
You just never know. You never know when it's your turn.
Many years ago, a young man by the name of Joshua was sitting on the bench watching the main man Moses lead the nation Israel through the wilderness to the Promised Land.
But something happened to Moses just as the entire nation was about to enter their new home. Moses died. Let's read how the story unfolds:
"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: ' Moses my servant is dead, Now then you and all these people get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give them...'"
(Joshua 1:1-2)
Even though Joshua was Moses' aide, there doesn't seem like a smooth transition for Joshua to assume leadership. No official ceremony where Moses shakes Joshua's hand and says, "Go get 'em, Tiger!"
Just one minute you are the second string guy, the next minute your name is called by God: "Joshua, you're in!"
For most of us it may be a matter of being ready to do the small things. Being ready to speak a word of encouragement to someone. Maybe to notice the guy on the street with the cardboard sign and say, "Hey, my name's Marty. What's yours?" Maybe it means stepping up and doing chores you always left for your spouse to do.
For many of these things, we don't get second chances.
Several weeks ago I was on a zoom call, and Bobbie was returning to the house with groceries. I heard her coming into the door, but I stayed glued to the zoom call which was on the laptop right by the door she was entering. For some reason, I thought my presence on the zoom call was more important than helping her in the door with the groceries. When I finally got up to help, all I was able to do was shut the door! A swing and a miss.
I wasn't ready. To quote Harrison Ford, "He chose poorly!" (remember...Indiana Jones?!)
Lots of "be ready" stories in the Bible. The point is, big deal (like Joshua) or a smaller deal (helping Bobbie with the groceries, well, it really was a big deal!) just be humble enough to be ready.
Lord, help me to be humble enough to be ready.
To not miss opportunities, big or small, you give me to be kind or to assume positions of leadership. Help me to step up or step down.
Coach, be ready today for what God may send your way.
As a friend told me once, "Make a choice, take a chance, expect a change." (from David Hammerstrom!)
Marty Mayer
Northern Kentucky FCA