Dave Kaiser took the field in the final seconds of the 1956 Rose Bowl. He was a kicker for the Michigan State Spartans. The Spartans were tied 14-14 with the UCLA Bruins. Kaiser was one of three Michigan State kickers. Earlier in the year Kaiser suffered a leg injury having only attempted 2 kicks that season which both went wide left. Kaiser had healed up by the Rose Bowl but expected to ride the bench. However, the other kicker Planutis, had missed two field goals that game and Kaiser got the call. He took the field in the final seconds of the game to attempt a 41-yard field goal.
As Kaiser was getting in position and warming up his leg, on what was only his 3rd career attempt, the center snapped the ball a few seconds too early. Surprised, Kaiser quickly jumped back, lined up, and gave it the boot. As the pigskin soared through the air, Kaiser didn't watch. He turned and looked at the referee waiting to see his signal. It was good and the Spartans won the Rose Bowl. I forgot to mention something. He kicked the field goal blind. He turned to the referee not because he was nervous. The truth was he couldn't see the goal posts clearly. Kaiser, not expecting to play, had left his contact lenses in locker room and in turn had to kick blind.
As Christians, we don’t know when our number will be called or when opportunity will present itself, but we must be prepared. Sometimes the circumstances will be unexpected. There’s an early snap. We forgot our contact lenses. We had very few previous opportunities or successes. We are kicking in the biggest game of our life. But remember, there is work that must be done in the practice field of our soul. The Holy Scriptures, God's character, and the leading of Holy Spirit must become such a part of us so that we too, can instinctively, make the kick blind. Without hesitation, doing what needs to be done because our souls have been saturated with God while we waited. What are you doing in the meantime? Will you be ready when God says take the field?
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 1:13, ESV