Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
And before you were born I consecrated you;
I have appointed you a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5, NASB)
Like Jeremiah, did the Father have a purpose for me long before I was conceived? How do I figure that truth out? Clearly, it is not easy for us to determine our particular purpose – even if we have the skill set to participate at the highest level of golf.
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of being invited to play at Riviera Country Club by one of our LINKS board members. This invitation included what we call “the five-star package:” an overnight stay in the clubhouse hotel, meals, caddies, and golf. This blessing was a real treat, and it inspired today’s devotional.
The last time I was at Riviera, I was a spectator. It was 1995, when Steve Elkington won. Many years prior, I had played the course one other time. The history of this place is intriguing and brings to life stories of great achievements made by distinguished golfers such as Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan.
Riviera is aptly dubbed “Hogan’s Alley,” and a bronze bust of Ben Hogan is positioned by the putting green to commemorate his 1947 and 1948 L.A. Open and U.S. Open wins.
Historical exhibits and displays are prominently placed throughout the clubhouse, and each room is named after a famous golfer. My room was the Bobby Jones room. As you will recall, Bobby Jones is the only golfer to hold four grand slam trophies in the same calendar year. After winning them all, he retired at the top of his game.
According to some of the photos and quotes on my room’s walls, Bobby Jones had seven lean years and seven fat years, all of which led to him being the best amateur golf player of all time.
The following quotes from Bobby Jones speak to the idea of not worrying about results as much as just doing what you are called to do:
“The main idea in golf as in life, I suppose, is to learn to accept what cannot be altered and keep on doing one’s own reasoned and resolute best whether the prospect be bleak or rosy.”
“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you play the ball where it lies.”
Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet by God.
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Remember, God qualifies the ones he calls, he doesn’t call the qualified.
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While our calling is not entirely like Jeremiah’s, God does have a specific calling for each one of us. Our job is to love, obey, and serve until his guidance becomes clear. If God gives us a specific call or assignment, we are to accept it cheerfully and with diligence.
When God called Jeremiah, he was a child. God reassured Jeremiah in verse 1:8 not to be afraid, that he would rescue Jeremiah from trouble. Many of us are like children in our walk with Jesus and may feel insecure about doing something we know should be done.
Do not fear! Like Bobby, there might be “lean years” and “fat years,” but God will lead you and prepare you at just the right time.
Remember, God qualifies the ones he calls, he doesn’t call the qualified.
Prayer – Lord, give us the heart of a lion to pursue you and hunger for the work you intended for us since the beginning of time.