Play it Where it Lies

My golf ball looks exactly like the one the pros use. It’s round and white and has dimples. It is even a Titleist ProV1. However, while the ball is similar, the similarities between my golf game and that of the professional ends there. There is a major difference. It is called “lie” but does not relate to untruth (at least it is not supposed to relate). A “lie” in golf is where the ball stops rolling. A common golf term is “play it where it lies” meaning you can’t improve the location of the ball (unless of course it is in a hazard). Most of the time, the pros hit the ball in the fairway and on the green. Much of the time, my ball “lies” in the trees or sand or water. From that unfavorable location, I must play my next shot. The origin of the game of golf is uncertain. A few golf historians actually trace the game back to the Roman game of paganica, in which participants used a bent stick to hit a stuffed leather ball. So perhaps the Apostle Paul played golf. Whether he did on not, he did understand a principle of golf and life. Paul wrote, I have learned in whatever state (“lie”) I am, to be content.” (Phil. 4:11). The truth is I can’t always control my circumstances (“lie”) but I can control how I respond to them. How will you respond to your “lie” this week?

Join me in remembering the following global prayer concerns:
• Pray for the International World Changers this week as they go to Chernobyl to give out humanitarian aid, fix some fences and minister to kids.
• Pray for Henry and Judie as they prepare to leave for East Asia and language school later this month.
• Continue to pray for collegiate summer missionaries and church mission teams as they serve around the world.
• Pray for those who serve in famine-wracked West Africa.