I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13, NIV)
I love the humor and passion of Bill Rogers. Bill was the 1981 British Open Champion and also the PGA Player of the Year. He is also a great encourager to this ministry.
I love to needle him. We had a Links Players event coming up and Bill was going to join us. I was kidding with him and said, “Bill, I would love for you to do a clinic for us before we tee off. I would like for you to display your ability to hit some high, soft 1-irons.”
Bill did not miss a beat and quickly responded, “I will be glad to do so because now I can deal with the results.”
I think there is a sermon in there somewhere. “Now I can deal with the results.”
For years, Bill fought the pressure and grind of the PGA Tour. Many times it was not so easy to deal with the results. It was a constant struggle when the scores did not meet his expectations or even the expectations of others. It can be so hard to deal with failure, and there is a lot of failure on the PGA Tour, even if you are a consistent money winner.
So what is the lesson? A Savior loved us so much that he died for us and offers us the gift of salvation by grace through faith. He sent his Spirit to live in us to help us along the way. He offers a place for us to spend eternity with him and has that place prepared for us.
When we understand this truth, we can deal with anything. Any failure or any success is merely a step along the way in this journey to the place he has already prepared for us. We do not get to choose all the issues that come our way, all the problems and inconveniences and even when and how we die. All of life runs precariously close to the ditch. But the great news is that we do get to choose the endings. We can deal with anything if we know the ending is God’s promise.
So Bill Rogers can deal with anything now, even mishit low, hooking 1-irons. What Bill has been living for is what he is going to, not what he is leaving behind. Can we say the same?
—
Randy Wolff
March 7, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.