Spectators

It was supposed to be rainy and miserable yesterday, but it turned out to be a sunny warm day! What a wonderful surprise, except that I had committed to being home to supervise my Destination Imagination team while they worked on building their project. At least I could look out the window and see the beautiful day that I couldn't be out enjoying. Being a spectator is not as good as being a participant, but when it is the best you can do, it is better than nothing.

With the Olympics now in full swing, I am also only a spectator. I watch those incredible athletes and wish I could do what they can do. Since I know I never will come close, I enjoy camping out in front of the television and marveling at their skill.

It is important to know when one should be content to be a spectator, and when one should be an active participant. Sometimes, we get those roles confused. I fear that Christianity is becoming a spectator sport. Lots of people cheer those in the trenches on, but how often do we excuse inaction on the commands of God, saying:  "Oh, I could never do that....?"

Yes you can! Who is on your side? If God has commanded you to do something, He will equip you to do it. And if you are willing and give all you have, even if it is not enough, God will bless you and the work of your hands. Sometimes we won't see the result, but a willing spirit is all that is required of us. Leave the results to God, but don't squelch the Spirit with a reluctant heart.

Never cheer from the sidelines when you should be running the race.

However, much as I love to ski, I will never be participating in the Olympic Giant Slalom so I will be sitting in my recliner sipping a hot beverage and rooting for team USA.

However, I did manage to slip out for a ten minute walk in the beautiful day. It was gratifying to feel the actual sun on my face rather than watch the sun on the faces of everyone else.

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 Psalm 69: 6-7
6 Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,
O Lord God of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,
O God of Israel.
7 For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach,
that dishonor has covered my face.

Isaiah 6:8
8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am! Send me."