Making the Team (Finally!)
Reflections on the Sunday Sermon
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
— Ephesians 2:8
Always Chosen Last
If you ever need someone to stand in left field swatting at gnats and squinting into the sun, I’m your girl.
Let’s just say sports were never my thing. I had asthma. I had glasses thicker than my little elementary-school arms could hold up. And I had zero clue what inning we were in—or why it mattered.
But I reminded myself: I had other talents. I could write a killer book report. I could draw a pretty decent unicorn. And I once won a poetry contest with a heartfelt ode to my dog.
Still, on the ball field? Last pick. Every time.
The One Team That Actually Wants Me
Somewhere along the way, I found out about another kind of team. No running. No sweating. No “keep your eye on the ball.” Just one Coach. One Team. And guess what? Everybody gets chosen first.
God’s team.
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life…
— John 5:24
I didn’t need a glove. I needed grace.
And all it takes to join?
Hear God’s Word.
Believe in Jesus.
Done and done.
All Kinds of Players Welcome
The early church was full of players with wildly different skill sets. Fishermen. Tent-makers. Tax collectors. Business owners. Teachers. I’m pretty sure if there had been a baker in there, Paul would’ve recruited them, too.
God has a spot for everyone on His team.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…
— Colossians 3:23
You don’t need a whistle or a clipboard. Just your willingness to show up, bring your gifts—whatever they are—and offer them to God.
And by the way, those spiritual gifts Dr. Todd listed on Sunday? I don’t have the gift of prophecy, but I sure can write a blog post!
No Benchwarmers Allowed
God’s not looking for benchwarmers. Salvation is a free gift, but living out your faith? That takes getting up off the bleachers and into the game.
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
— James 2:17
Don’t sit this one out. You’ve already made the team. It’s time to play.
A Gentle Takeaway
God already picked you first. (Yes, even you. Even me.) Whatever you’re good at—use it for Him. And if you’re still figuring that out, good news: God’s not in a hurry, but He is ready when you are.
A Lighthearted Prayer
Lord, thank You for picking me—weak arms, bad eyesight, awkwardness and all. Help me to stop worrying about being good enough, and just get in the game with You. Show me the part I’m meant to play. And please—if I’m ever back in left field—send snacks. Amen.
Do you sometimes feel you’re just not “good enough”? What part does God want you to play?