Winning Isn’t Enough
My disappointment was intense as I watched my shot disappear into the bunker on the last hole, and with it, my chances of winning the 1994 Masters. But that was only the beginning of my disappointments. For the next two years I failed to win the U.S. Open, finishing in second place each time. I was struggling with self-doubt, and I dreaded to hear what I knew my critics would say: that I could never win the big one.
Self-doubt
Feelings of self-doubt were not new to me. When I was 15-years-old, our football team won the state championship. I was third-string quarterback and sat on the bench the entire game.
When we got back to town, we had a big parade then went back to the school gym to have a pep rally. Everyone was so excited. I remember feeling completely isolated because I had not helped the team win. I felt like I was a failure.
What is the meaning of life?
I had tried my hardest. I had tried to be good for my parents, good for my team, good for my friends, and good for God. With each failure I felt worse and worse. I thought, ‘What is it that gives life meaning? Why am I here? Why am I so miserable?
My coach was a Christian and he invited me to a meeting with some Christian athletes. For the first time I heard people talking about God and the unconditional acceptance He has for us. That was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to feel that I was loved and valued, despite my failures. With God, I suddenly realized that I did matter. I mattered enough to God that he died for me. That made me realize I was important.
The change and acceptance
I asked God to come into my life. Feelings of guilt disappeared. Tears of joy flowed out of my eyes. I felt peace and contentment like I had never known.
Shortly after I lost the two U.S. Opens, I won the British Open and the PGA Tour Championship. I was ranked the best player in the world. I thought victory would make my life better but I still had problems. The Bible says that all men are like grass and their glory like flowers of the field. Grass withers and flowers fade. I found this to be true in my life. Victory is great, but it is ultimately empty. Even the thrill of winning the British Open fades. So what does last? Relationships with God and others do. They are what give life meaning. Regardless of what anyone says about me, my wife and kids think I am great. They love me. But more importantly, God loves me. And, ultimately, He is the only one who matters.
Take a look at your life. How would you describe it? Contented? Rushed? Exciting? Stressful? Moving forward? Holding back? For many of us it’s all of the above at times. There are things we dream of doing one day, there are things we wish we could forget. In the Bible, it says that Jesus came to make all things new. What would your life look like if you could start over with a clean slate?
Living with hope
If you are looking for peace, there is a way to balance your life. No one can be perfect, or have a perfect life. But every one of us has the opportunity to experience perfect grace through a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? You can pray it right now, and Jesus Christ will come into your life, just as He promised.