Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13 ESV
The crisp air and Colorado mountains roused me out of bed this morning. Today marks not only my fiftieth rotation around the sun, but also makes me eligible to take my sticks to the USGA Senior Women’s Open qualifier in 2022.
You might think I have impatiently watched my peers play as I waited to meet the age requirement. But, in all honesty, my desire has needed time to work out its trepidation and welcome the possibility. Without a doubt, God has had his hand in this process.
As I stand on this precipice of a new decade, I am finding deeper understanding on how sport (golf) has added to my life, and it has added harm. I have traveled the world, gained friendships, and experienced success. And, profession golf holds no guarantees but many expectations, including as a Christian athlete doing something for God.
Gratitude awakens and weakens the fear that keeps us from play, on the course and in life.Aren’t we supposed to do good things for God? Yes and no. If we look carefully at our scripture passage today, we read how it is God working in us for his good pleasure. Just a few weeks ago I was presented with a question. Is sport (or really anything we are involved in) to be used to do something for God or is God using sport to do something good in us?
I approached my entire golf career through the lens that I was to use golf to do something for God. The translation equaled a liability to perform. In this new season of senior golf, I am realizing that as I choose to play golf, I want to be open handed for God to do something in me.
I want to play golf because God wants me to feel alive and joy. Sport is an excellent school in discipleship and offers me insights to areas of my character that still needs growth. After God’s spirit does a work in me, then I turn my service toward others. Service to others might be through kindness to the staff at your club or helping others in need or offering a listening ear to a friend. Gratitude awakens and weakens the fear that keeps us from play, on the course and in life.
Whether we are at play (any sport or creative arts) or setting our hands elsewhere, we are to work out our salvation (spiritual and personal growth) for the purpose of God’s good pleasure. The best news of the day, regardless of age, is that God is the one helping us do so.
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Tracy Hanson
October 28, 2021
Copyright 2011 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.