Par 3, 16th Hole

I just got home from the Singing Holy Hands praise team practice. We're getting ready for the May 21st and 22nd "Defining Moments II" production. This time, we're singing two beautiful songs: "My Eyes Are Dry" and "My God Reigns". Though, we're accustomed to the "My Eyes.." song, the "My God Reigns" song is the most challenging one which requires alot of rotations. This time, we're having a full group of 8 singers (4 men, 4 women), and I am praising God!

I would like to talk about the 16th hole. You may be wondering, "What, in the world, does the 16th hole have to do with God or the Bible???" My answer, "Everything!" I was watching the Masters yesterday. For those who may be wondering, "Then, what in the world is the "Masters"!" (smiling) It's a golf tournament where many high profile, professional golfers go. There's a long history in the Masters tournament where many great golfers play to win: Faldo, Nicklas, Mickelson and Woods. I watched DiMarco and Woods duel against one another through each holes. It was very exciting. Woods led throughout most of the day after he was behind DiMarco who was in the lead since Thursday.

When both came to the 16th hole, DiMarco had a good run. Woods, not as good as DiMarco, hit to the left of the hole. Then DiMarco proceeded to do a chip shot and narrowly missed the hole to make a birdie (means one under par). On the 16th hole, DiMarco made a par (even) on that course. Woods' ball is well a distance away and the green was pretty sloped. He took his time to examine the green, removed any debris, knelt down fixing his eyes on what he should do, talked with his caddie (who carries his clubs), and knelt down again. He stood in front of the ball, took his time, and ready for a memorable shot in the history of golf. When he hit the shot that swept down a ridge and funneled its way slowly down the slope. The ball came to the rim of the hole and stopped. Woods and his caddie grimmaced with "Ahh and oh no!" The camera glued to the ball as it stopped barely at the rim for just about two seconds then all of a sudden it dropped into the hole! Woods, the caddie and the crowd jumped into an uproar! I could read Woods' lips, "It worked!!" And I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this fabulous shot, one of the most memorable shots that I will never forget! I was actually jumping up and waving my hands and doing the fist-pump! It was awesome!

They were showing the 16th hole shot over and over. I kept watching it over and over and thought of God. This is how God works in our lives. Just as Woods shot the ball in an opposite direction of the hole, up the slope, it may seem that our life is going in the opposite direction, too. Going up the slope is hard work. It's, sometimes, grueling and frustrating. Other times, we're wondering what God has in store for us. But as the ball, gently, rolled down the slope, it may seem that God is, slowly, working in our lives (gradually changing us and preparing us for an excitement). But when the ball rested at the edge of the hole, even for a couple of seconds, it seems that God wants us to pause for a moment (as in prayer) and remember the slope and decline, that victory is a drop away. Then the ball dropped! Victory is given! The angels and God's people shout in an uproar, "Praise the Lord!!!" You're welcome to do the "Tiger-Woods-Fist-Pump"!

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NAS)

That's how God works in our lives! There will be time when you'll experience the par 3, 16th Hole excitement! Just watch God provide for: His, the power and yours, the victory!