“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, NASB)
It is finally springtime in New England and, despite the rain delays and sometimes bitter cool spring weather, New Englanders are anxious to get out on the links and play golf. This year brings many rules changes, changes I am sure many of you have already discussed at length. Our club even had a “new rules” seminar so we could learn about the changes and have a chance to gripe about them. Pin in or out? Drop from knee height. Seriously? Searching for your ball? You’ve got three minutes, not five, etc.
With the beginning of the season, it is also time for those of us who are committed to asking God to use the game to advance his kingdom to get out and “be among them.” I like that. But it does come with some uncertainty. I am not always comfortable when the jokes or language turn coarse or the rounds of beer start to add up. And while I know we are to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16), not everyone likes salt and many are not drawn to the light. Until one connects with other believers at the course or club, there can be a sense of being alone.
But here is some good news: While the rules of golf might change from year to year, God’s rules don’t change. Ever. Here’s one you can take to the bank:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Let me just tell you that this promise is doubly meaningful when we get busy with the business of fishing—of telling others about what life in Christ is all about.
Go in confidence that God is with you every step of your way.My club has a summer-long Tuesday night tournament, and we are assigned a partner with whom we play for the entire season. I didn’t know my partner, so I decided I should email him to introduce myself before we played. We exchanged a few emails and then met on the tee box on the first night of play. As always, since we would be playing together every week for the summer, I decided I would let the relationship run its course and follow God’s lead. After we played, we all went inside to eat dinner. As soon as we sat down, my partner hit me with this question: “I saw on your email that you have a logo. What is it? Links Players? What is that all about?”
Apparently, God is not only with me, but he has gone before me!
The God who was with Moses at the Red Sea, the God who was with Esther as she risked her life to save her people, the God who was with David as he fought Goliath, that same God is with us everywhere we go. And he is committed to advancing his kingdom and to making us those who “fish for people” (NIV). So today, go in confidence that God is with you every step of your way.
—
Bob Kuecker
April 30, 2019
Copyright 2019 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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