Out of the Rough and Back on the Fairway.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

My husband recently pointed out, in the game of golf, it is the bad swing that matters. The good ones get you to the hole. The bad one requires skill and recovery.

I can relate to that. There are times when I think I am headed toward the purpose God has for me, and I inevitably end up in the rough, a sand pit, or just the water. Not a lot you can do with a ball in the water.

While making all the right choices would be ideal. Romans 3:23 reminds us of the truth of our situation: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".

How do you get the ball back on the fairway when you hit it into the rough? You use the tools of the game. In golf, you use the right club, the wind and your expertise-the skill you have developed by practicing over time. Knowing how to correct a bad shot requires practice and skill. There are a few ways to make a good shot, but endless ways to make and correct a bad one. It takes practice.

In our faith life, we have tools which allow us to learn how to correct the bad shots. Some of the tools are scripture, spiritual mentors, and the body of believers to help train us. The Holy Spirit is the promised guide who will help us and teach us. Like Golf, the ability to discern and lean into our faith to dig our way out is something we develop over time. We learn more about what pleases God, so we know how to get back to the position he has for us.

Just like it might take a couple of swings to get to the hole, we know God will move us step by step back to where He has purposed us to be. Back to the green and out of the pit.