Happened to read a sports writer this morning, commenting on the British Open and the impressive victory by a South African golfer who faced some pretty formidable weather during the tournament. The Scottish gales on Friday tried many a player's mental toughness. One of the golfers remarked that the winner has a lot of "bottle".
This is a new word to me and it means nerve/unflappability/a resolve to win through in any endeavor. A British word apparently. But it caused me to think about the qualities we need in life, especially those of us who are committed to following in Jesus' steps. As any veteran of this adventure knows, there will be storms that try one's spiritual stamina and mental toughness. But God always sees us through. It is a divine fact that out of His loving and powerful presence, we cannot be.
I also thought of the woman who discovered and founded Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. That she faced the winds of mortal opposition, hatred, misrepresentation--you name it, is well documented. It was God of course who sustained her in her world-benefiting work. How many countless men and women and children can attest to what her teachings of the divine laws that underlay our great Master's works have done for them. And I am among the grateful recipients of her labors.
We can't prevail in this holy work of living the life of Christ without facing the winds. But we will always be brought through the storm to sunshine and calm. God will see to it.
