So encourage each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now.

I Thessalonians 5:11 (NCV) 

My granddaughter, Tori, celebrated her 16th birthday this week, passing her driving test today. Look out world, here comes T! Since she was 7, this girl has been willing to test gravity and take on challenges through the sport of cheerleading. What started as a fun class with a friend in second grade has developed into the position of co-captain of her high school junior varsity cheerleading team.

When she first began, she was a tiny girl with a brave heart, and she learned how to be a flyer. If you watch the stunts that cheerleaders perform, the flyer is the one on the hands, knees, and shoulders of her teammates with arms outstretched, back arched, and a big smile on her face. But for a flyer, it’s all about balance and trust. One bobble, one slip of a hand, one missed cue, and the flyer comes tumbling down, hopefully without injury.

The girls holding her up are the base. Their strength and concentration serve to keep the flyer in the air. Without a coordinated effort between the girls composing the base, the flyer can’t get a footing to complete her part of the stunt. And, it all requires practice, practice, practice.

As Tori grew, her role changed from flyer to base. It was hard to give up that flyer role because that’s the “fun” part, but she was needed in the supportive role of base. Having been on both sides of the stunt, she knows the importance of both roles and plays a leadership role, gaining the respect of her peers.

So are you a flyer or a base? No, not in cheerleading but in your daily life. Are you the upfront person or the behind-the-scenes person?

At different times in my life, I enjoyed both leading and speaking…I was the face of the group. But, there have been seasons when I emptied the wastebaskets, set up the room, took care of the children, or cleaned up the kitchen. I know how much I depend on the church office for support for the Bible Study I currently facilitate. I don’t fret that the flyers will be printed, the tables and chairs set up, and that the equipment will work when I open the door because I know it will be done.

The body of Christ needs each of us to fulfill our roles and do our part so that the Gospel is proclaimed and Jesus is praised. We need each other when life is easy and then turns hard… when we celebrate and when we mourn…when we are on the mountain top or in the valley. We need the support to give us balance and then our job is to trust in God for the next step.

We all have gifting for certain roles but how do you respond when that role changes? Rather than becoming discouraged or frustrated, do you accept with humility the role God has for you today? This may be a permanent position or only for a season but our response is key. Others will be watching. God has a job that only you can fill. He has equipped you, so revel in it and give Him the praise.

 

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