A GOLF CLUB OR A "GOLF CLUB?"
Photo courtesy of Ping Lee
In 1970, golfing legend Arnold Palmer played golf with the king of Saudi Arabia. After their game, the king wished to express his appreciation to the famous golfer, and asked what he could give him as a token of his gratitude.
Palmer realized to refuse such an offer would be an insult to the king. So he replied, “If you wish, you can give me a golf club.”
Back home a couple of weeks later, Palmer received a large envelope from Saudi Arabia. Opening it, a card read, “A gift from the king.” Then he discovered his gift—a deed to a Saudi Arabian golf country club.
(https://www.theresstillhope.org/arnold-palmers-golf-club/)
This story delivers a powerful spiritual message. The gifts of our King are greater than we could ever hope for. Ephesians 3:20 promises that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” This doesn’t mean God’s our genie in a lamp, awaiting our every command. In fact, often his blessings come gift-wrapped in struggles. But when the dust settles, God’s blessings are better than we could’ve imagined. We settle for a golf club, when we could have a “golf club.” Remember this: God always wants more for us than we want for ourselves.
The book of Ruth reveals the story of two women, Ruth and Naomi, who found themselves widowed, childless, and destitute. Ruth gleaned leftover grain in a field to feed the two of them. Her greatest hope was to gather enough grain to keep them from starving. But through her faithfulness and loyalty, God blessed her with a wealthy husband and a son, who became the grandfather of David. She was even an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
Remember, when you pray for a golf club, expect a “golf club.” God always wants more for us than we want for ourselves.
Ponder:
What specific needs have you asked God for, but aren’t sure he will supply?
How does God’s power to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” impact your life?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study the book of Ruth.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your generous gifts. Help me never forget that you always want more for me than I want for myself.