Ernie Els got off to a terrible start on the very first hole on the opening day of The Masters yesterday. Just two feet away from making par, things went downhill quickly for Els. He missed the putt. Then he missed the next one. Then he missed again. He kept hitting the ball past the hole until he ended up with a quintuple-bogey 9. The disastrous first hole virtually assured Ernie that he will not be contending for the green jacket that goes to the winner.
Sometimes people get off to a poor start in life. In fact, the Bible says that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Thankfully, Jesus gives us a second chance. No matter how poorly you may have started, or no matter how badly you might have faltered along the way, Jesus can wipe the slate clean and give us the victory.
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Corinthians 15:57.