Guest post by Scott Tyson
I am a big NCAA Basketball fan. I watch as many games as possible (even when my team is out or didn’t even make the tournament – North Carolina). I love “elimination” games which is what the tournament is all about. Win and move on, lose and you go home. Despite all the upsets and great last minute victories this year (did you see the Kansas State/Xavier game?), something else has caught my attention. Injuries have been more significant than in years past. Big names and important players have been restricted to street clothes and a seat on the end of the bench to cheer on their teammates. Good players, not just role players. In fact, two teams lost what many consider to be the “key” player in basketball – the one who controls the game – the one who makes everything happen – the glue – the leader – the point guard.
Both Michigan State & West Virginia lost their “key” player prior to the Sweet Sixteen (Kalin Lucas & “Truck” Bryant). As you might expect, most analysts were convinced that neither team could survive such a great loss. Some guys you can do without, others are essential and irreplaceable. Lucas has been the “go-to” guy all year for the Spartans – who would be able to fill those shoes? Bryant has been the wheel that made the Mountaineers offense turn – no one else is equipped to handle such a daunting task (even though Joe Mazzulla is experienced, he’s just been ineffective all season and seen limited playing time). The result of such loses? Both teams have advanced to the Final Four! But how? Their teammates had to fill the gap. They had to take on more responsibility. They were up for the challenge. They know that no one is irreplaceable. Mazzulla practically became a “star” in the span of about 2 hours but playing the best game anyone could have imagined for West Virginia. In fact, when he fouled out with about 3 minutes remaining in the game – this unknown, ineffective, and unproductive role player became “irreplaceable”. They had no one comfortable handling the ball against the full court pressure defense and it almost cost them the game.
This scenario reminded me of how sometimes we let people within our ministry become “irreplaceable”. As difficult as it is to accept, no one fits this category. You may have one or two coaches, volunteers, or staff the control the flow, run the offense, make things happen. People that just cannot be replaced because they are the only ones that know how to do certain things, the only ones that really understand the mission/vision, the only ones who get the job done efficiently, effectively, and they way I want it done. No one else can step in and fill those shoes overnight (maybe in time but certainly not within a few days).
Let Michigan State & West Virginia remind you that God has a plan. God does not need us but rather he has chosen to use us. God has the ability to bring someone new to the surface on a moment’s notice to fill a monstrous gap. To replace the irreplaceable. Sometimes God opens a void on purpose so someone else has an opportunity to use his/her gifts for His glory by filling the void. The loss of Lucas & Bryant are no longer the focus. Now the analysts are taking about Mazzulla, Butler, Green, and Lucious.
