HAZARDS

(thoughtful) By James R. Bolley,Excerpts from "Hazards"
Hazards are an integral part of the game of Golf. Every golfer is aware that they are there, usually knowing the exact distance to them, and carefully planning every shot in order to avoid them.

All great players avoid hazards. Yet they also practice them, because they know they can be encountered during any around. When it comes time to make a difficult hazard shot, such players are prepared in advance. Hazards can be treacherous little spots in the lush manicured courses of towering trees and beautiful fairways. They can be watery or full of sand. They can be deep bunkers full of grass which put the ball below the feet, or steep berms with the ball sitting up above the knees.

Hazards call attention to a player's abilities, as well as his weaknesses. They are the defining moments that can cause a golfer to look back at the end of the round and realize that he rose to the occasion or that he struggled desperately to "come out" with some vestige of his dignity intact. But hazards also make the character of any course. They are the bitter or sweet spice in the experience of an otherwise uneventful round of golf.

Most of the signature holes of famous golf courses around the world feature beautiful and memorable hazards. They are as much a part of the course as the lush fairways and verdant greens. Serious golfers learn, if not enjoy hazards, at least to make the most of them.

In your walk with God, you face many hazards. They can be so intimidating that if you aren't prepared, you can feel overwhelmed by their very existence and appearance.

Avoidance is always the best course to follow when confronting the hazards of life which can so easily discourage you. But you must also consider the character, dimension, and maturity that hazards can bring into your life.

When you do encounter hazards or face bad situations, you must remember that God is able to provide a way out. He is not going to forget you or leave you there in a "trap."

Although some hazards are unavoidable, you can prepare for them, you can prepare for them by exercising you faith and trust in God. You can recall the times God has been there for you, and have confidence that He will never leave you alone nor forsake you in your time of need..

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