I started playing golf about 15 years ago and was quickly captivated by the game. It’s the scenic beauty of each course, the chance to spend time with family and friends, and the challenge of hitting a small white ball with little more than a thin stick – all of these make it an enjoyable game to play. For most of my golfing life, I have been able to get out to play only a few times per year. But recently I have had the opportunity to play more often, prompted by my kids taking an interest in the game. I love seeing them get excited to be out on the course and enjoy the extra quality time as we learn the game together.

These extra trips to the course and time playing with the kids have helped me realize something: the ball never takes the same path from the tee box to the cup. No matter the skill level of the golfer, every time you play there’s a unique set of shots, club choices, and ball placements used to finish each hole.

This is like our path to a relationship with God. Everyone has his or her own faith journey – not one is the exact same! Some believers attended church from birth and accepted Him at a young age and for others it was much later in life that they found salvation. Some have lived lives they were not proud of when they came to Him. Consider the tax collector from Luke 18: 13-14.

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner’. I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:13-14)

In this parable, the tax collector knew he wasn’t worthy but came begging for mercy. Even though he had a sinful past, this man could still honor God and receive forgiveness from Him. If you’re struggling with something in your history and
worrying that you’re not good enough for God – DON’T! Jesus came for all of us and no matter the steps you have taken in your life He will welcome you with open arms. Or going back to the golf comparison…I can hit a terrible shot off the tee, or overshoot the green, or land in multiple bunkers on a hole – but no matter how many strokes it takes, I can always
finish the hole and put the ball in the cup! If you’re a golfer, think about that the next time you play a round – the path may be clean, or it may be messy, but it’s always unique!