A few weeks ago, I took my daughter to the rollerskating rink as they were hosting their monthly event for homeschoolers. I am not nearly brave enough to attempt lacing up my own skates for what I am sure would be a very entertaining afternoon, so I was given a bracelet that read, “Spectator.” This bracelet served to alert staff that I had not paid the skaters fee and should not be given skates or allowed on the rink.

As the afternoon wore on, I noticed that it wasn’t only kids and teens skating, but there were adults as well. Not everyone was skilled, but everyone did appear to be having an enjoyable time. Honestly, my daughter probably would have been pleasantly surprised if I had decided to give it a go myself. Even if I had fallen multiple times, it would have made for wonderful memories. Still, I sat at my table content to read my book never daring to take that step.

The Lord began to speak to me about restricting myself to being a spectator, reminding me that so many people in this life have done the same. They have relegated themselves to a life of being a spectator when He has called them to be so much more.

Maybe you feel too old. Maybe you’re afraid of getting hurt. MAYBE you aren’t willing to pay the price it requires to be anything more than a spectator. So, you sit at the table content with reading the book but never living the experience.

Beloved, we were never intended to be insignificant bystanders. It’s time to shed our excuses and lace up.

Jesus didn’t die on the cross so that we could live comfortable. He died on the cross to show us how to carry ours.