Although in the middle of football season and the baseball playoffs, I'm still intrigued by the possibility of Tiger Woods returning to competitive golf.
I’m holding out hope that he’ll make a dramatic comeback and show glimpses of his former dominant ways...but that may not be very realistic. Just this week he withdrew from the Safeway Open and Turkish Airlines Open - two events he was scheduled to play.
On his personal website, he wrote this: "After a lot of soul searching and honest reflection, I know that I am not yet ready to play on the PGA TOUR or compete in Turkey. My health is good, and I feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and not where it needs to be.”
The word that seemed to jump out to everyone this week was “vulnerable.” What did Tiger mean by that? What aspect of his game (physical or mental) is the issue? Will he be able to fix it?
I think there are a couple of ways to look at Tiger’s use of the word "vulnerable" and how it relates to our own lives. It's actually surprising to hear someone as accomplished as Tiger willing to admit he has a weakness in his game. Also, if Tiger’s game is “vulnerable,” then certain areas on the course or specific shots must be causing him to be susceptible to mistakes.
By acknowledging his game is vulnerable, he is actually being vulnerable and honest. He could have blamed withdrawing from the events on his health, but instead, he pointed to his own game not being where it needs to be and admitting there are aspects causing problems.
The closer we become to Jesus and the deeper understanding we have of His character, the more we realize just how weak we truly are. The truth is, we can all probably say "my game is vulnerable" because we are in desperate need of His grace, strength, and mercy.
As followers of Jesus, we can be vulnerable and honest with others about the areas of our lives we struggle with. We can seek encouragement and accountability from those who can help us because we are authentic with confessing weakness.
We can also admit the situations that cause us to be more susceptible to sin because of our past mistakes or fleshly desires. The better grip we have on knowing our vulnerabilities, the more likely we are to rely on God for strength to fight against them.
I believe that vulnerability leads us to the cross of Christ. Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV), "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
When we realize we are weak and willing to let go of trying to be great in our own strength, we actually end up becoming strong because of Him and His power. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that I am weak and in need of Your strength. I acknowledge that I’m vulnerable to certain sins and need your power to fight against temptation. Help me to also be open, honest, and vulnerable with others, so that I can receive accountability and encouragement. Thank you for making me strong with Your power. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Comments