As I stood on the 4th tee at Jacksonville Golf and Country Club playing with at the time one of the best professionals on the PGA Tour, I learned one of the most important lessons in golf. For most of my golf career I always liked curving the ball from right to left. The 4th hole requires you however to hit it from left to right. After knocking my golf ball into the woods, Len Mattiace asked me why I didn't play my golf ball from left to right to avoid the trouble. I replied that I don't do that and that I don't like that shot. He then asked me: "What do you do on holes that you have to hit that shot?" I replied that I typically don't like those holes and I hope to not do too much damage to my round on them. He then showed me that I needed a "go-to" shot. A go-to shot is one that you can always rely on. It is one that if you're under pressure and you have to hit a shot that you know you can always hit, this is the one to use. He then proceeded to show me how to hit a grip down left to right driver "go-to" shot that I still use to this day! I've hit it so many times that I know I can aim about 20 yards left of my target and curve it from left to right every time.
As I was reading this week, this story came into my head because I have read about so many people in the Bible when times are tough, they go straight to God. This is convicting for me because so often I'll bypass God and think I can figure things out myself. These champions for God in the Bible though go straight to Him with prayer and steadfast obedience. Take Joseph for example: This guy has some serious love for God! Think about it, he was his father's favorite son. He got sold into slavery in a tricked up plan by his brothers. He then gets picked up by a high up leader to work for him, and during that time the leaders wife puts the moves on him. Now let's back track: Do you remember Joseph had a dream from God that showed him being king? So literally Joseph has been through the absolute worst, but he has continually been steadfast to God through prayer and obedience. In this moment Joseph is still being pressured to go against God's will for him. He is being pressured by the leader's wife to live in disobedience. Joseph continually says no and maintains obedience to God. How did he do this? I'm sure the thought came into his mind that this relationship could maybe make him king just like the dream God had given him. He knew though that God's plan for him was great and that the pursuit of Him and obedience is the only way to fully fulfill the plans the Lord has laid out for him. Joseph used his past experiences of hardship and pain, all while resting on the love and pursuit of God to persist and prosper. Joseph had a "go-to," and that was communication with God through prayer and being absolutely obedient to His will.
What's your go to? For me, often times it is simply just bowing my head and recognizing how little I am and how big God is. Other times, I simply am just reminded of God's purpose for my life. Many times though, my go to is a song. Sanctuary is my common go-to, and more specifically it's the first few lines of the song: "Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I'll be a living, sanctuary for you."
This week I'd really like to hear what your go-to is when times get tough. What do you do when the right way in obedience seems insurmountably more difficult than the wrong way? Do you memorize scripture? Do you go into prayer?
Having a "go to" is so important for people in these troubling times. I challenge you to figure out what yours is and incorporate it into your daily life.
Have a wonderful week!
Cameron
As I was reading this week, this story came into my head because I have read about so many people in the Bible when times are tough, they go straight to God. This is convicting for me because so often I'll bypass God and think I can figure things out myself. These champions for God in the Bible though go straight to Him with prayer and steadfast obedience. Take Joseph for example: This guy has some serious love for God! Think about it, he was his father's favorite son. He got sold into slavery in a tricked up plan by his brothers. He then gets picked up by a high up leader to work for him, and during that time the leaders wife puts the moves on him. Now let's back track: Do you remember Joseph had a dream from God that showed him being king? So literally Joseph has been through the absolute worst, but he has continually been steadfast to God through prayer and obedience. In this moment Joseph is still being pressured to go against God's will for him. He is being pressured by the leader's wife to live in disobedience. Joseph continually says no and maintains obedience to God. How did he do this? I'm sure the thought came into his mind that this relationship could maybe make him king just like the dream God had given him. He knew though that God's plan for him was great and that the pursuit of Him and obedience is the only way to fully fulfill the plans the Lord has laid out for him. Joseph used his past experiences of hardship and pain, all while resting on the love and pursuit of God to persist and prosper. Joseph had a "go-to," and that was communication with God through prayer and being absolutely obedient to His will.
What's your go to? For me, often times it is simply just bowing my head and recognizing how little I am and how big God is. Other times, I simply am just reminded of God's purpose for my life. Many times though, my go to is a song. Sanctuary is my common go-to, and more specifically it's the first few lines of the song: "Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I'll be a living, sanctuary for you."
This week I'd really like to hear what your go-to is when times get tough. What do you do when the right way in obedience seems insurmountably more difficult than the wrong way? Do you memorize scripture? Do you go into prayer?
Having a "go to" is so important for people in these troubling times. I challenge you to figure out what yours is and incorporate it into your daily life.
Have a wonderful week!
Cameron
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