We were struggling. An English PGA courses was in the final stages of tournament preparation. The greens were short, the fairways lines greens, and the rough was like a stroll though a spring meadow. For sixteen holes it was a clear struggle for everyone involved. Blow after blow sapped the motivation to continue playing. The course was clearly winning the day. Then “it” happened.
The approach for my partner was long. His shot to the far edge of the green was amazing! His stride clearly began to strengthen as he walked up the narrow fairway even through the ball was still a good forty plus feet from the pin. As he lined up for the put on the unpredictable green everyone was hoping. The moment the ball left the face of the putter the shot looked good. As it rolled down the hill, over a swale, and on to the pin it began to look really good! As it dropped into the cup we were all celebrating the momentary victory.
The final hope took on a new character. Nothing was impossible; confidence was soaring into a space that had never been imagined during the earlier part of the day. Even my shorts which had left me earlier in the round came back into recognizable golf. My partners soared even higher. If a par was achievable on the 17th then why not end on a birdie?
The brief moment of pointless approval carried us right into the clubhouse. We were excited and energized, even as I was standing with only three hours sleep from the night before. I can’t help but imagine what a day could be like if I understood just how strong the rooting section was in my life and yours. I see angels cheering for our success, God working in our corner, and success calling us to our created potential.
“I'm not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda.” (John 5.41, 42)
