UNPACK This...Finding Purpose in Our Sufferingਨਮੂਨਾ

Refuse To Throw In The Towel

While Xander Schauffele’s dominant display throughout the 2024 PGA Championship was undoubtedly worthy of the headlines, another compelling story occurred that weekend.

Before the start of Friday’s round, Scottie Scheffler was arrested outside the gate of Valhalla Golf Club for allegedly dragging a police officer with his car (the charges were eventually dropped).

Following his arrest, Scheffler spent a short time in jail and was released about an hour before his scheduled tee-off.

Given the difficult circumstances, people could easily have understood if he resigned to the fact he’d have an unsuccessful tournament.

But rather than throwing in the towel, Scheffler fought back with a gutsy performance. He finished the tournament in a tie for eighth place, which was admirable considering the unexpected circumstances.

As followers of Jesus, when challenging times inevitably come, we can be tempted to “throw in the towel” regarding how we live out our faith.

But we must remember God uses trials to grow our character. As James 1:2-3 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 tempt us to act in disobedience. 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 during a challenging situation, we must strive to live with godliness as we navigate trials and sufferings.

1 Peter 4:19 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 difficult circumstances, we must remember that God only allows His people to experience the suffering necessary to conform them to the image of His Son. As we do so, we can continue to fight through difficulties, relying on God’s strength and peace.

Today, remember that God is sovereign over our suffering and that going through tough times does not give us a legitimate excuse to stop walking in 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 being disobedient when things get hard, please help me to trust in You and commit myself to obedience. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.