A father was having a particularly stressful day at work. So, he decided to take off work a few hours early to watch his son play soccer. His son’s team was made up of boys and girls who were still trying to learn how to play. After a few minutes, the coach blew the whistle and called the players over to talk with them. He said, "Look guys, you can’t win if everybody runs after the ball. You have to play your position, then wait for a teammate to pass the ball to you."

The Lord used the words of that soccer coach to help that businessman understand that he had been so busy trying to solve everyone else’s problems, that he wasn’t playing his own position. The next day he went back to the office and suggested some new ideas, and after passing them back and forth from their different positions, these men and women were able to find solutions and new approaches to their business goals.²

There is a common saying that goes, “If you want something done right, then do it yourself.” However, this was never God’s plan within His church. This mentality will only cause us to feel completely stressed and overwhelmed! God has given each of us special gifts and talents for us to use for Him, but if we aren’t allowing these talents to be practiced because “we can do it better”, then we are only being an obstacle in the growth of others. God makes no mistakes; therefore, our individual strengths and weaknesses were given with purpose. They are meant to compliment others, and in turn, the gifts of others will compliment us as well. If we want to learn to work efficiently within God’s Kingdom, then each of us must learn to play our position.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gifts you have given me. Thank you, also, for my weaknesses because this is where I can see you work through others! Help me always show patience and grace as my gifts, and the gifts of others, are developed for your glory. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.    1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (NIV).

2.    www.sermoncentral.com

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.