Have you ever noticed the players in uniform on the sidelines of a basketball or football game? These are the Substitutes; players anxiously awaiting their shot to get in the game. Even though they have been practicing and preparing with the star players, they aren’t the first choice. Their only hope to get in the game is if one of the starting players needs to rest or gets injured.

Do you feel like you are always the second choice, plan B, or the back-up plan? Does it seem as if the only time you get noticed or called upon is when the first choice is not available? Do you find yourself wondering if you will ever be good enough to be the first pick? Do you see yourself as Anointed but not yet Appointed? You are not alone; there are many people who are considered the Substitutes.
Substitutes at work, at church, in business opportunities, in dating and relationships, in friendships, in families, and etc.

I too have found myself in the shadows or on the sidelines more times than I can count; but let me offer some hope: Some of my biggest opportunities came as a result of being the Substitute, in position and ready when the opportunity was presented.

I know that you aren’t jealous or covetous of those who are in the spotlight. If you are anything like me, you just want to get in the game, to be a part of a great work, to serve, even if no one notices. But Someone does notice: God notices. He notices your heart; He notices your integrity. He notices that you operate in the Spirit of Excellence for an Audience of One, the Lord Jesus Christ (even when no one else is looking); and this is exactly why He is the One Who will promote you from the Substitute on the sidelines to the star player in the spotlight; and it can happen suddenly; because He knows He can trust you.

Don’t despise the role of the Substitute; just keep your heart pure and don’t become envious of those who are in the spotlight. Don’t ever make the spotlight your goal; stay intentional about pleasing God and serving people; even once you are in the spotlight, remember why you were chosen to be there. Continue sharpening your gifts, stay humble, and don’t get weary. In due season, God will exalt you.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:9).

The work of the Lord must go forth! You must remember this and know that God often uses the Substitutes to carry out His Purpose in the Earth. He is the God of the Substitutes.

Remember, if God said it, then That Settles It.