“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” — James 1:12
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It was a victory heard and felt around the world, many years in the making and totally the stuff movies are made of. Golfer Rory McIlroy had been the talk of the sport for years as his major drought drug on past a decade and pundits discussed if he would ever be able to win the elusive Masters tournament (which would give him at least one win in every major — the career grand slam). He had been close several times, but always unable to get over the line.
After a disastrous opening round of the 2025 Masters, McIlroy found his game on Day 2 and 3, and held the lead going into the final round. People wanted to see history made, and McIlroy wanted the proverbial monkey off his back once and for all. Question was, could he actually do it?
On the 18th hole, he held a one-shot lead. With only one putt to make for the win, he overshot it and dropped a stroke, putting himself into a playoff with his good friend, Justin Rose. The collective groan around the world was felt. Nobody, including McIlroy, wanted this to happen … again. He reset himself, realizing he still had a chance. He made a couple terrific shots on the playoff hole and was left with a second opportunity for glory.
This time, he made the putt. Falling to the ground and sobbing from years of pent-up pressure and struggle and perseverance, McIlroy relished the relief and joy of the moment, as did fans of golf all across the globe who badly wanted this for him.
Watching this on TV, I couldn’t help but be reminded of how this is what the Bible has in mind when we are told to endure in our faith. McIlroy had to keep believing, even in the face of many doubts, that his time would come. The dream he’d had all his life of wanting that green jacket and the chance to join the best to ever play golf looked, so many times, to be in jeopardy. The wait had been long, but McIlroy would be the first to say it was worth it and that the struggle made the result all the sweeter.
Galatians 6:9 says that we shouldn’t grow weary in doing good because we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up. Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4 even go so far as to say we are to rejoice in and embrace our sufferings, knowing that they produce good character and hope within us.
All of us will face trials and difficulties, losses and pains, in the course of our journey through life. And sometimes, God will ask us to hold out for an answered prayer or blessing or resolution to the situation for a very, very long time. Will we be willing to persevere and endure anyway? Will we continue to trust God and believe Him?
We can certainly choose not to, and many actually do. For those who do hold out for God’s best, the ending will be worth the wait.
— Katherine Singer
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