As an elementary school student, I wanted to play ball like Patty. She regularly hit home runs, ran like a deer, and outplayed everyone in our class. Therefore, we all sought Patty for our team. Patty never had to worry about rejection. She was guaranteed a position and the opportunity to play. In sports and in life, not everyone makes the team. Even if chosen, we may spend all or most of our time on the bench watching our teammates play.

However, God invites us to join the team Jesus made possible through His death, burial, and resurrection. God also assigns everyone who accepts that invitation a position to play. Old or young, male or female, rich or poor, talented or challenged, God offers an eternal identity and purpose.