If you have participated in sports long enough, you almost certainly have been a part of a “no-show” at some point in time.

In sports, a “no-show” is the term we use to describe a team or player that seemed unprepared for competition. From the moment the game started, the team or the athlete looked like they were disinterested, disengaged, or simply unprepared to attend to the task at hand.  

It can be easy for us to accuse a team of having a “no-show” when they give a poor showing, but I’d like for us to evaluate our own lives today.

ow often have we not stepped up and done what we’re capable of doing? How many situations have we been a “no-show” and didn’t execute appropriately?

As followers of Jesus, we don’t have to be filled with shame or regret. Still, we do need to be willing to acknowledge and confess the times we didn’t rise to the occasion, didn’t handle the pressure well, didn’t adjust at all or in the right way, didn’t prepare properly, or didn’t take advantage of the opportunity.

We must learn from these instances when we put a weak effort together, and be willing to do what is necessary to “win” the next time.

Usually when we talk about sin, we focus a lot on what we did that was wrong. But what about the things we didn’t do that we should have?

James 4:17 (ESV) tells us, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

Sometimes we are called to “make a play” and obey, but instead decide not to step in or speak up or execute what God’s Word teaches, even though we know what needs to be done.

These are the convicting situations when we actually say “no” to God and fail to do something He’s asking us to do.

But moving forward, let’s be encouraged to show up and win as we rely on Jesus to do what is right.

Let’s remember we’re capable of doing so because “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3; NLT).

Reflect: What are some situations in your faith when you have been tempted to have a “no-show” in the past? How can we overcome our fear and anxiety in order to obey God even when we are uncomfortable?

A prayer to consider: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not doing what I know is right. Help me obey and execute Your plan as I trust in You. Please give me the strength to step up and show up in the different ways You need me to. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Bryce Johnson is the president/founder of UNPACKIN’ it Ministries and host of the UNPACKIN’ it Podcast. Go to: unpackinit.com.