Rickie Fowler, the ninth-ranked golfer in the world, won the Honda Classic last weekend. Winning on tour for the first time since 2015, he also overcame an obstacle he'd been dealing with in previous tournaments. Before this latest win, Fowler was 0-4 in tournaments when having the lead after 54 holes. Starting out on Sunday with a four-stroke lead, this became the big storyline. Would he be able to break through this problematic barrier and pull out the win?
With another chance at victory, how could he respond differently to the same scenario he experienced in the past? Could he fight through his previous mindset and hold on to the lead? Could he ignore the lie that he couldn't win with a 3-day lead?As we found out, Fowler, fortunately, fought through to overcome the hurdle of winning after having a 54-hole lead in a PGA Tour event. This situation leads me to think about the challenges we have in our own lives - specifically temptations that we have to fight through and overcome. We often find ourselves in similar spots that we’ve faced in the past and always responded a particular way. Whether dealing with traffic, a boss, a substance, or any other type of hurdle that trips us up, we are tempted to give into how we’ve always handled that circumstance. We know we have a "0-4 record," but deep down we no longer want to repeat what we’ve always done before. Regrettably, we end up buying the lie that leads to a similar outcome. Fowler had to finally believe that a 54-hole lead could actually end in a win. Likewise, we must believe by trusting and surrendering to Jesus, He will help us overcome temptation so that we can receive a breakthrough. We don’t have to get mad every time someone cuts us off in traffic or do something stupid when we have a bad day or respond poorly when dealing with others. However, we have to stop settling for the idea that “it’s just what I do” or “that’s just who I am.” The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT), "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure." Rickie Fowler accomplished the results he set out to do and wasn’t going to settle for the same 'ole same 'ole. If we truly desire to overcome temptation and allow God to change our hearts, He will. Let’s not make excuses and give the same mistakes over and over again. We serve a powerful God who gives us victory and helps us to endure, so let's trust Him. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would help me overcome the temptations in my life. Please help me respond differently when those moments to do the same thing I've always done, pop up. I trust that You are faithful and will strengthen me to endure and not give in to temptation. Thank you for Your grace and power. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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