The 2024 PGA Championship wrapped up Sunday evening with Xander Schauffele finally capturing his first victory in a major tournament by sinking a dramatic tournament-clinching birdie putt on the 18th hole. And while Schauffele’s dominant display throughout the tournament was certainly worthy of the headlines, another compelling story occurred during the weekend. Before the start of Friday’s round, the top-ranked golfer in the world and recent Masters winner, Scottie Scheffler, was arrested just outside the gate of Valhalla Golf Club for allegedly dragging a police officer with his car. It was a chaotic situation and apparently a misunderstanding with the charges expected to be dropped. Following his arrest, Scheffler spent a short time in jail, being released just about an hour before he was scheduled to tee off. Given the difficult circumstances he was facing with the combination of stress, lack of preparation, confusion, and lack of proper eating, we could easily understand if he’d resign to the fact he’d have an unsuccessful tournament. But rather than throwing in the towel, Scheffler fought back with a gutsy performance, proving once again how unshakeable he is. Shortly after getting out of jail, Scheffler fired a 5-under 66 to keep himself in contention heading into the weekend. He went on to finish the tournament in a tie for eighth place, which was admirable considering the unexpected circumstances. As followers of Jesus, we all face challenging circumstances. Trials and sufferings are a part of the Christian life, which God sovereignly uses to grow our faith. When those challenging times inevitably come, we can be tempted to “throw in the towel” regarding how we live out our faith. God desires to use trials and difficulties to grow our character. As James 1:2-3 (ESV) says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Simultaneously, however, trials can also bring along temptations for us to waver in our faith and act in a disobedient manner. We can wrongly believe that our sinning will be excusable since we’re facing such difficult circumstances. But just as Scheffler chose to remain steady and continue fighting on the golf course during a tough situation, we must strive to live with godliness as we navigate trials and sufferings. 1 Peter 4:19 (NIV) says, “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” When facing challenges and difficulties, we must be quick to remember that God is faithful. He only allows His people to go through the amount of suffering that’s good to conform them to the image of His Son. As we do so, we can encourage ourselves to remain steadfast, unshakeable, and obedient in our suffering. Rather than “throwing in the towel,” we can remain steady as we continue to fight through difficulties relying on God’s strength and peace. Today, let’s remember that God is sovereign over our suffering and that going through tough times doesn’t give us a legitimate excuse to cease walking in holiness and obedience. I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for always being with me in my suffering. Rather than complaining and being disobedient when things get hard, please help me to trust in You and commit myself to obedience as I walk through the trial. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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