“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10, NLT)
The vision of Links Players stated on our web site is: “We see people of influence in the kingdom of the world transformed by Christ that they may become people of impact in the kingdom of God.”
Now what does this have to do with you, the reader of today’s devotion? Frankly, you are part of our vision for this ministry. I recently read a popular Christian book, The Circle Maker, by Mark Batterson. He told the story of a donor who wanted to make a large gift to the local church because “the church had a vision beyond their resources.”
I think God wants us to have visions beyond our resources so we can depend on his provision. There will be no mistake as to whom the credit belongs. We do not have the resources to accomplish our goals unless God supplies them.
I keep thinking of a vision for this ministry: establish Links Fellowships at every golf facility in America (and if you don’t live in the United States, you can certainly have this same vision the golf clubs in your nation). I mean it. Why not? Is there a Links Fellowship at your club now? Well, what are you waiting for? The size of our prayers indicate the size of our God.
Can you imagine men and women gathering to study God’s profound Word and pray for each other in an environment like a golf club? Women discipling women and men discipling men. Both are needed. Because golfers are often business and community leaders, such an infusion could literally change the culture in America today.
Links Players has approximately 50 Links Fellowships in my region throughout Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. I believe we should have more than 50 in Dallas alone. I know, it is not all about numbers; it is about what’s in our heart and why we pursue such a vision. But numbers aren’t incidental. When master teacher Henrietta Mears was asked whether God was concerned about numbers, she replied, “Of course he is. He wrote a whole book about it.”
PGA Tour player and devout man of faith Kevin Streelman was quoted recently in Golf Digest regarding the importance of numbers—that is, his golf scores. Streelman has had a hot hand recently. In a six-tournament stretch this spring, he had four top-tens, including his first PGA win. The magazine wanted to know his secret or the tip that would help us find our game. He said, “Golf is not that important to me. The scores are not that important. I am trusting the plan we have in effect.” Me too. The plan is telling others the Good News about Jesus.
Like any missionary endeavor, we want to share Jesus with everyone we can, especially where people play golf. When it comes to local Links Fellowships, you are the resource we need! It takes people to minister to people. God can change the culture, and he just might use you and me if we make ourselves available and teachable to fulfill a vision beyond our resources.
—
Randy Wolff
July 10, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.