Jerry Dean, one of the many Valley Fellowship avid golfers, shared with me some of the history of the golf ball. Early golf balls had smooth covers, but golfers quickly realized that once a ball was roughed up a little, the ball could travel for a longer distance. Manufacturers experimented and soon turned out dimpled balls. I remember Jerry adding a thought something like: “You know, that is just like life. Rough spots in your life can make you go the farthest.” Yesterday, I asked Jerry about that conversation from so many years ago, and he sent me an email with more information:
Golf balls fly farther with dimples or when scuffed up. Originally, golf balls were smooth; but golfers noticed that older balls that were beat up with nicks, bumps and slices in the cover seemed to fly farther. Golfers, being golfers, naturally gravitate toward anything that gives them an advantage on the golf course, so old, beat-up balls became standard issue. The nicks and cuts act as “turbulators” – inducing turbulence in the layer of air next to the ball, often reducing drag. So I guess you could say if we would take our scuffed and battered lives and give it all to God, He would help us all go farther. God makes life much better.
We all need to remember that adversity isn’t meant to stop us. With God’s empowerment, we will fly farther. “In Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 AMP) Consider these keys to overcome adversity.
#1 Remember, adversity in life is meant to make us, not break us.
How strong is your faith? Adversity forces us to honestly gauge just how much we really trust God’s promises. I am still pondering Numbers chapter 13. Ten spies let their fear of struggle, stress, and challenge stop them from appropriating God’s promise. Two – Joshua and Caleb – spied the same territory but trusted God’s promise. Heavenly Father wanted His people to rely upon Him, face adversity, and enjoy what lied ahead. C.H. Spurgeon counseled, “Christian, remember the goodness of God in the frost of adversity.” (Farm Sermons, p.57)
The grapes of God’s goodness (God’s Promise and the blessings of the Promised Land) are always greater than the giants of adversity. God allows adversity to rub off our rough edges, polish us, strengthen us, and mold us into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
#2 Don’t dodge adversity – meet it and beat it.
What is the greatest difficulty facing you right now? Uncertain economy? Unemployment? Broken relationship? Rejection? No adversity is too great for The Lord. God’s power is available even for biggest problem. “Don’t give up and be helpless in times of trouble.” (Proverbs 24:10 CEV) Your faith and obedience releases the power of His presence and unlocks His promises.
#3 Let adversity stimulate you!
Adversity is the soil from which victory is grown.“My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy.” (James 1:2 CEB) Every struggle we face offers a distinctive opportunity to mature – to rely upon God’s grace and to overcome adversity.
“Now here’s a surprise: The master praised the crooked manager! And why? Because he knew how to look after himself. Streetwise people are smarter in this regard than law-abiding citizens. They are on constant alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits. I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right—using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you’ll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.” Luke 16:8-9 MSG
Live out what my mom laid out on Sunday morning:
- DEVOTION (Philippians 3:11),
- DIRECTION (Philippians 3:12-13),
- DETERMINATION (Philippians 3:14).
In 1974, the blue station wagon that shuttled our family to hundreds of speaking engagements had an eight-track tape player. For thousands of those miles, we worshiped with the songs of Andraé Crouch. I still remember those melodies and the lyrics. “Through It All” seems like a fitting end for today’s thought.
I’ve had many tears and sorrows; I’ve had questions for tomorrow
There’ve been times I didn’t know right from wrong
But in every situation God gave blessed consolation
That my trials come To only make me strong
I thank God for the mountains, And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through
For if I’d never had a problem
I wouldn’t know that He could solve them
I’d never know what faith in God could do
Through it all through it all
Oh, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus; I’ve learned to trust in God
Through it all through it all
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word. (Andraé Crouch © 1971 Manna Music, Inc.)
