Patience in the Pines
You line up the shot after a nice practice swing. Solid contact.
Slice.
Deep into the wilderness. Maybe Montana. Hard to say.
Golf is a beautiful game… until it’s not.
And if you’ve ever watched your ball disappear into a forest so thick even GPS gives up, you know exactly what I mean.
That’s when patience comes in—on the course and in life.
The book of James puts it this way:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
— James 1:2–4 (NIV)
Now, we can’t confirm if James ever carded a triple bogey… but if he did, he probably handled it better than we would.
Because let’s be honest—when life slices hard and fast into the rough, our first instinct isn’t always joy. It’s frustration. Anger. Maybe even a club toss (you know who you are).
But that’s exactly where God does His best work:
In the struggle. In the slow progress. In the patience.
Every bad shot is a chance to reset, refocus, and respond with grace instead of rage. It’s a reminder that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s perseverance. And the only way to grow in perseverance… is to face some trials.
Next time your round goes sideways (or your plans do), take a breath. Laugh a little. And remember—He’s still with you, even in the bunker.
Because this life we’re living? It’s not just a game. It’s a walk with God, full of lessons, grace, and second chances.
And hey—if you find my tee shot while you’re out there… let me know.
Reflection Challenge
This week, pay attention to how you respond when things don’t go your way—on the course or in life. Instead of frustration, choose patience. When a trial or setback comes, pause, breathe, and ask: How can I let perseverance do its work in me right now?
Prayer
Lord, I don’t always respond well when life slices into the rough. But I know You use trials to grow my faith and build perseverance. Teach me patience when I’d rather be angry, and joy when I’d rather complain. Help me trust that every setback is an opportunity to grow closer to You. Amen.
