PGA Pro's in the Word by Bill Dando

Oh, how I wish I knew Jesus earlier in my life.  As I was praying about what the Lord wanted me to share this week, He directed my thoughts back to a time in my Club Professional career that proved to be a critical point in my life.  I had been an Assistant for eight years, newly married and was blessed with starting a family; so of course, the next progression in my career was to become a Head Professional.  Not in God’s time, in MINE!  And the time was NOW!  I was serving at a great club, for a great HP (Paul Marchand) and he knew I was getting anxious, his encouragement was consistent, “Bill, be patient, your time will come”.  I “heard” what he was saying, but I wasn’t “listening”.   I went on to make an impetuous decision, and that decision caused a solid seven years of financial and marital stress, had I known, I would have stayed put at Houston C.C., and waited patiently.

Making the daily decision to follow Jesus, is HARD!

“Patience” is one of the nine-character traits of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  At that time of my life, I wanted NOTHING to do with God.  My experience in the Church (religion) wasn’t very positive, so our Heavenly Father who gives to those who ask (Luke 11:13) needed to know me personally, before, by His grace would lead me to ask for the gift of His Holy Spirit.  I was full of pride at 28 years old and once again, as I think back to that time today, how true His word was and is as I read Proverbs 16:18 “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall”.  I would like to tell you that since I received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that everything in my life has been perfect, but that would be a lie.  Making the daily decision to follow Jesus, is HARD!  But His promises that I now know are for His children, gives me hope, peace and joy that money can’t buy. 
 
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for such a beautiful day.  Thank You for blessing our PGA Professionals with a servant’s heart, with knowledge and skills in the game of golf to impact people for Your will.  Holy Spirit move in the hearts of ALL professionals across this Country and save those who are lost and encourage Your children who You’ve found.  I ask these things in the powerful name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen!
 
Have a wonderful weekend!  I appreciate what you do!
 
Your teammate in Christ,
 
Bill Dando, PGA
FCA Golf-Georgia
(706) 296-4873
 
“He is not impressed by the strength of a horse; He does not value the power of a man.  The LORD values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love.”  Psalm 147:10-11