This morning, I had a blast attending The Profile of Champions Breakfast put on by Search Ministries. Three pro golfers (Russell Henley, Kevin Streelman, and Cameron Tringale) playing in this week’s Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club, shared stories about their faith and golf.
All three talked about making it onto the PGA Tour and the path they took to get there. Cameron was able to make it quickly right after college, while Streelman took a little longer by playing on the mini-tours.
They discussed the best rounds of golf they've ever played, the tournaments they've won, the hole-in-one shots they've hit, and their favorite courses.
They described important moments in their faith journeys, how God pursued them, and how key people entered their life to ask them the tough questions.
I appreciated many of the encouraging and transparent things these guys shared, but what struck me the most was what Russell Henley talked about.
Only 30 years old and he already has six professional wins, has finished top 20 in all four Majors, and has career earnings over $13 million...yet, it didn't bring him what he thought it would. Instead, it brought him to the Lord.
He explained how he thought he wanted fame and money, but ultimately it left him empty. Even after winning, he realized he would have to do it again because the feeling of winning doesn’t last long.
I’m sure many of us have heard similar stories from other athletes or actors or successful business people who after accomplishing great things or reaching high heights, come to realize they are still empty inside.
Interestingly, the "hole" is actually the same for us as it is for the pro golfer or the Super Bowl winner or the billionaire owner. We all try to chase something to fill the hole but realize that's not the answer.
In reality, we could stand on stage and share a similar story, even if the amount of money or the level of success we’ve put into the hole may not be the same.
Then for some of us, it’s not money or fame we chase, but maybe substances or sex or adrenaline or even people...hoping to find something that removes the emptiness.
Every one of us is aware of the God-shaped hole inside of us and we know that anything we try to fill it with, apart from Him, never lasts, never truly fulfills, and only temporarily satisfies.
We can have all the money, fame or sex and it will never be enough to remove the emptiness we feel within.
The interviewer on stage today reminded everyone of Matthew 16:26 (AMP) where it says, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world , but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Knowing Jesus intimately as our Lord and Savior and resting in His salvation, love, grace, and the eternal life He offers is what satisfies the deepest longings of our soul.
So today, let’s live in that fullness and stop chasing anything that will only leave us empty. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
*For more encouragement, check out this song: NOTHING ELSE
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that nothing fulfills or satisfies apart from You. I was once separated from You and I’m so thankful You sent Jesus to fill the hole that was there. Please help me to remember I no longer need to chase anything because I have everything I need in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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