March 30, 2020 - A View From The Bench

What is the job of the players that are on the bench? The typical response/thought is “nothing.” In other words, on the bench = simply rest. As a coach, I can tell you that when I looked down the bench and saw players doing “nothing”, those players were not getting off the bench! I almost wrote that they weren’t getting in the game, but this week’s line of thought is that they should be “in the game” even when on the bench!

There are many things a player on the bench can and should be doing… one is studying to see how the game is flowing and how he can impact it when on the floor… another is encouraging teammates that are on the floor… and, yes, resting for when it is time to be on the floor. Bottom line is that I looked for players that were “into the game” to put “in the game”!

Many of you may feel right now that you are in a prison of sorts; the current health quarantine we are under has brought life to a screeching halt for many, and to an accelerated urgency for others that have “essential” jobs.

One of my favorite things to teach on is the attitude the Apostle Paul displayed when in prison. He spent the time praying for his “teammates” and writing them letters (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) to encourage and challenge them. He also utilized the time to reach those around him in the prison. To him prison was simply another opportunity to make a difference… so he found ways to do so.

We spend so much time concentrating on the prison (being on the bench) that we miss opportunities to be a team player. One interesting thing I noticed with Paul is that he not only didn’t just focusing on getting out of prison (and into the game) but he even stayed there at one point when his chains were broken! Check out Acts 16:25-34 for an amazing account of how to handle being in prison (or on the bench…)

1.       They prayed and sang - so others could hear of their hope

2.       They stayed put even when the chains were broken – showing that circumstances did not dictate their ministry but cultivated it

3.       They shared the hope of grace – found in believing on the Lord Jesus Christ…

What can you be engaged in ministry today?

How can you encourage others today?

How can you share hope (evangelize) today?

Philippians 1:3-4 (Paul writing and praying from prison [quarantine]) I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always making request for you with all joy…