After being signed by the Seattle Seahawks before their game against the New York Jets last week, running back C.J. Spiller went from his couch to the end zone. Spiller was watching the NFL on TV one Sunday and scoring an important touchdown the next. 

Having an impressive college career at Clemson, Spiller was a top draft pick by the Bills, but injuries held him back from being a consistent game-changer in Buffalo. Although he spent last year in New Orleans, things never clicked and he was released earlier this season.

With the Seahawks in need of help at the running back position, Spiller got the call and immediately contributed to their win over the Jets. It’s incredible to think that a guy who was just sitting at home watching (while being written off by many) could so quickly become instrumental on the field.

I’m thrilled for Spiller (especially since I picked him up on my Fantasy team before the game) and I see how we can be encouraged by his story. Many of us have been or are currently in a season where we find ourselves “sitting on the couch.” For some of us, it’s by choice because of laziness, fear, or insecurity. For others, we may be waiting for God to show us clearly what He wants us to do next. 

I think, in either case, we must consider the condition of our heart. Are we seriously willing to do what God is calling us to do? Are we willing to jump off the couch and immediately get into the action when He says “go?” Are we allowing doubt to hold us back? As we wait, are we preparing our hearts for the call? Is our delay actually due to our own disobedience and refusal to get off the couch?

I believe God invites us to be a part of His work and calls each of us to contribute in a unique way. However, we must be willing to respond accordingly while taking full advantage of the opportunities He presents to us.

The Old Testament describes how Isaiah was commissioned by the Lord in Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” 

Today, let’s consider if our hearts and minds are positioned to answer the call to get off the couch and into the end zone. Are we saying, “Here I am! Send me?” Are we willing to jump into the action and contribute to God’s work of redeeming the world through Jesus? I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would remove any fear, hesitation, or disobedience I have in my life so that I can do what You’ve called me to do. I’m here to do Your will, so please make it clear where You want to send me. Thank you for the work You’ve done in me and thank you for Your willingness to include me in Your plans. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.