"MULLIGAN"

MULLIGAN

In the game of golf, serious players are not very forgiving. If you slice the ball too far into the woods...you will have to take the penalty! Not only do you take a penalty on your score but the penalty comes when the game is delayed as you search for your ball. However, recreational golfers are a little more forgiving. Instead of taking a 2-point penalty for hitting the ball into the water, you might hear the recreational player yell, "MULLIGAN". This is a golf term for a do-over or a second chance.

Wouldn't it be great if we could yell "MULLIGAN" in life? When we make a mistake, we just yell DO OVER and all the furious bosses, all the upset husbands and the sad children would just smile and say, "No harm done!" There would be no consequences and no guilt. Only a chance to get it right the second time in a "do over".

Unfortunately, failure usually provokes great stress because of its consequences. These consequences sometimes involve a loss:
* loss of a relationship
* loss of closeness
* loss of a job or an opportunity
* loss of finances
* loss of respect, trust or approval
These losses can be minimal and temporary and sometimes the loss is great and permanent.

In the YOUR OPINION MATTERS poll last week, I asked the question: "Most recently in which of the following situations would you have gladly taken a DO OVER?" The top three results are as follows:

- 33% said they would take a do-over when it came to dealing with something at work.
-27% said they needed a mulligan when dealing with their children.
-27% said they would take a second chance when it came to responding to frustration.

I wonder if any of us have ever wanted a second chance as much as Peter must have:

MATTHEW 26:31-35
"Jesus told them, 'this very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. (32) But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.' (33) Peter replied; "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will". (34) "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me 3 times." (35) Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same...

Most of us will never know the persecution or find ourselves in as threatening place as Peter found himself. But we often times compromise our commitment to God.

4 THINGS TO OVERCOME THE STRESS OF MAKING MISTAKES

1. Realize that God does not approve our failures - however, He ANTICIPATES them!

• Jesus was not provoking Peter into dedicating himself more fully. Jesus was giving His disciples information (vs. 31) and He was giving His disciples reassurance (vs. 32).
• Peter was not listening, he totally missed the point of what Jesus was saying. Peter got defensive and proud.

How many times when we make mistakes, do we become defensive and proud?

2. Know that Jesus believes in us DESPITE our failures!

Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. (32) but I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brothers."

• God still believes in you in spite of your failures!
• God has something significant for you to do!

If you are consumed with guilt, you cannot fulfill the amazing mission God has for your life!

3. Realize that God sees our failure and shame!

LUKE 22:61,62 "And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, 'before the rooster crows you will deny Me three times' (62) So Peter went out and wept bitterly."

The look on Jesus face when He turned towards Peter could have been that of "I knew you were a coward" or a glare that said "I told you so!" But Jesus had no condemnation for Peter, His expression was a face of mercy.

What does your face express when someone makes a mistake against you?

4. Accept that Jesus forgives our failures!

MARK 16:6,7 But He said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. (7) But go, tell His disciples AND PETER that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him as He said to you."

The news would need to be delivered to Peter individually, indicating that Peter had separated himself from the disciples.

When someone makes a mistake against you, do you separate yourself from them?

When God forgives, He not only lifts the penalty but He seeks to restore the relationship!

• If you have made mistakes....ACCEPT GOD'S FORGIVENESS
• If you have suffered because of the mistakes of others...EXTEND FORGIVENESS

Today is your day to take a MULLIGAN when it comes to mistakes. How can you do that?

1. Confess
2. Receive God's forgiveness
3. Embrace God's love
4. MOVE ON

Thank you for being a WOMAN WHO TAKES A STAND! There is power in prayer and in Forgiveness!

Blessings, Laurie

YOUR OPINION MATTERS: Please vote in this weeks poll; "WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST ILLUSTRATES YOUR STYLE OF DEALING WITH CONFLICT?" Your opinion really does matter!!