Throughout the course of my life, the Holy Spirit has periodically revealed why God has allowed or not allowed things to occur. While I am befuddled by the events of the last 6 months, there is one thing I am certain of, everything happens for a reason. All I have to do is take a glimpse of my past to see God’s hand over my life, Philippians 1:6.
Back in 1994, I was 1 under par the last 50 holes I played during a golf event in Indiana. This led to a conviction to pursue playing professional golf via the Tommy Armour Tour and Canadian P.G.A. Tour in 1995. Although I failed to accomplish any of my goals, this led to an opening to become a head golf professional in Chicago. During the initial stages, I played in my first Player’s Ability Test, having to shoot 155 for 36 holes on a 6,500 yard links course to qualify for stage 1.
Only 4 players out of over 50 shot 155 or better, unfortunately, I was not one of them missing by 2 shots. God divinely intervened causing many strange things to occurs, preventing me from ever becoming a head golf professional. I played so well one of my playing opponents who did qualify told me after the round he couldn’t believe I didn’t qualify. I hit 26 out 36 greens in regulation, which means I had 25 birdie putts and 1 eagle putt. However, I had 79 putts combined for both rounds, saw a wind gust bend the pin keeping a chip in birdie out of the hole and I found the water twice.
God ordained these events to lead me back into ministry as a Bible teacher. If I succeeded in becoming a head golf professional, I would have missed at on the eternal blessings God had in store for me coaching golf and teaching Bible at Red Lion. Therefore, I believe the failures I am experiencing today are leading me to a future endeavor. The hardest part is the waiting and uncertainty about where, when and what. Keep the faith until the next door of your life opens.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 