"He Hits the Shot That's Called For"

Over the weekend, Scottie Scheffler proved once again why he's the No. 1 golfer in the world as he won The PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, NC.

He started Sunday with a three-stroke lead after a 6-under 65 in the third round. During the final round, he struggled early, making three bogeys on his front nine, and at one point, he was tied for the lead with Jon Rahm.

However, Scheffler responded well by making the necessary adjustments, making back-to-back birdies on Nos. 14 and 15, and hitting the shots needed to pull away for the win by five strokes.

After previously winning the Masters twice, this was his third Major win, and he became the first player since 1983 to win by three-plus strokes in each of his first three major victories.

There is much to like and appreciate about how Scottie plays as he demonstrates his dominance as a golfer.

As Ryan Lavner from NBC Sports puts it, "Not since [Tiger] Woods two decades ago has a player possessed this rare combination of precision, touch, and poise. Scheffler is the most accurate driver among the elite players. He is – by far – the most lethal iron player. He's turned into an elite putter. He routinely ranks among the top scramblers. He records the fewest bogeys and, on the off-chance he does drop a shot, has nearly the highest bounce-back birdie percentage."

Of all the skills he displays, maybe the one that makes him most effective is how he knows the right kind of shot needed. As he pulled away from the field down the stretch on Sunday, an analyst on the CBS broadcast said, "Regardless of the situation, he hits the shot that's called for...every time."

Not only does Scottie have the physical ability to hit the necessary shots, but he also understands the type of shot required based on the situation, where he's positioned on the course, and how the hole is set up.

As we parallel this skill to our lives, it's similar to discerning and understanding what a situation calls for. Every day, we find ourselves in different positions "on the course" of life, desiring to hit the right type of "shot."

Thankfully, as followers of Jesus, we are given the Holy Spirit to help us discern what's best. Galatians 5:16 (NLT) encourages us to "...let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves."

Jesus declared in John 14:26 (AMP), "‘But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.’"

So, as we look to "hit the shot that's called for," we trust the Holy Spirit to help us make wise decisions, choose obedience, and do what God calls us to do in any situation.

Galatians 5:25 (AMP) says, "If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]."

We must also continue to grow in spiritual maturity to discern and understand what's right. Hebrews 5:13-14 (NLT) tells us, "For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong."

We can also find ourselves in challenging situations as we wonder what to do next. Sometimes, the "shot that's called for" is to be patient and wait, while other times, we need to be more aggressive and take a big step of faith.

In relationships, we need discernment to know the "shot that is called for" as we interact, listen, and respond to others. Is it best to offer someone advice or comfort? Does the person need compassion or to be challenged? Do they need tough love and the hard truth, or do they need encouragement?

When sharing our faith and witnessing to nonbelievers, we must ask God to give us the right words to say or "hit the shot that's called for" in each conversation.

So today, let's be encouraged that God gives us the ability to "hit the shot that's called for" as we discern and understand what someone needs or is required in each situation. He enables us to respond and react appropriately, make wise decisions, and move in the right direction.

Regardless of the situation, let's trust Him to help us know what He's calling us to do or say.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to know what You're calling me to do and obey You each step of the way. Please help me make wise decisions and do what's right in Your eyes. Holy Spirit, please guide me and provide me with discernment to know what to say and how to respond regardless of my situation or conversation. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.