Inspiration Can Carry

INSPIRATION CAN CARRY an athlete a long way in a competition. In the 2000 PGA Championship, it took Tiger Woods and Bob May into a playoff.

The 31-year-old California native trailed Woods by a single stroke after three rounds. May shot a 72 in the opener, and then successive scores of 66 placed him at 204, 12-under-par. In Sunday’s final round, Woods struggled. Hampered by a bogey six on hole 2, he fell behind May by a stroke. But Woods’ back-to-back birdies on 7 and 8 knotted the golfers at 13-under-par as they entered the back nine.

Triple birdies on 10, 11, and 12 put the 43rd-ranked May back in front by one until Woods launched a massive 350-foot drive on 17. With his wedge, Woods pitched four feet from the pin and sank the birdie putt. May recorded a par. As the tension mounted, both golfers carded incredible birdies on the final hole, finishing at 18-under-par and forcing a three-hole playoff to begin at 16.

Woods sank a 20-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to go one up. After the duo parred 17, fatigue and pressure forced ugly shots on 18. But both golfers salvaged pars, and Woods claimed his third major tournament victory in 2000. With the win, Woods matched Ben Hogan as the only golfer to capture three Grand Slam tournaments in a single year.

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POINT Bob May held his own against the No. 1 golfer in the world. Faith in his ability, love of the game, and hope of victory allowed the underdog to force a playoff. While Woods rewrote the record book, May worked, labored, and endured. Golf fans remember his inspired effort, even though Woods overcame in the end.

The apostle Paul remembered the efforts of the Christians at Thessalonica. Their faith in Jesus produced good work. Their love prompted labor for God. Their hope inspired endurance for other Christ followers.

We can follow their example in faith, hope, and love.

GOAL! Think about what faith, hope, and love mean for your favorite athlete and for you in life. Ask God for faith that produces work, love that prompts labor, and hope that inspires endurance.