Play the ball where it lies

Bobby Jones is a name synonymous with golf. He said, "You get bad breaks from good shots and you get good breaks from bad shots---but you have to play the ball where it lies."

What is true of golf is true of leadership. Leaders have to "play the ball where it lies." There are days when the ball lands at the edge of the green. It is an an easy chip shot. And there are days when it lies buried in the rough. Either way, the game is in progress. You've got to take a swing. Here are three things to remember before you do:

1. Nothing is impossible with God

Mark's gospel provides a trifecta for those who want to live in triumph:

And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 ESV

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 ESV

And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24 ESV

Are you facing a tough shot? You have the Coach of coaches right by your side. Go to the Lord. Talk with him. Lean on him. Nothing is impossible with him!

2. "Facts are your friends"

These words from Bill Hybels ring in my ears. What is he saying? He is telling me not to turn the page when I hear something I don't like.

Get all the facts you can. Listen to all the critics at your doorstep. Seek out trustworthy counsel. Facts are your friends!

3. The Two Rules of Perseverance

These two rules are simple. In some ways they are trite. But there is more than a grain of truth buried here:

Rule #1: Take one more step! 

Rule #2: When you absolutely positively can't take one more step, refer to Rule #1.

If you would like to read more about the Two Rules For Perseverance, click here.

It is your turn to step up and swing

What is it like on the leadership links today? A bad lie is no reason to quit. Play the ball where it lies!