Out of the Sand Trap

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

– Ruth 1:16

There are few do-overs in the game of life. But sometimes there are in the game of golf. For example, if a golfer slices their shot into the woods or a deep sand trap, they might ask their opponent for a mulligan — a chance to try again.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get a mulligan every time we fail in life? Like the time we spoke rudely to a co-worker or cut off another motorist in traffic. Or when we gossiped about someone at church or “forget” to report certain income on our tax forms. Better yet, how about a do-over for that night (25 years ago) when we shoplifted on a friend’s dare?

Big or small, our failures can weigh heavy on our hearts. How great it would be if we could just erase those ugly episodes and start over with a clean slate. Yes, we can all use a few mulligans.

The apostle Peter could relate to this sentiment. Although he was one of Jesus’ earliest followers, witnessed his Master’s miracles, and even walked on water (until his faith gave out), this bold individual known as The Rock failed the test more than once. For example, Matthew 26 tells us about Peter’s declaration to stand by Jesus — and even die, if necessary — no matter what. But only hours after the Savior’s betrayal and arrest, Peter denied even knowing him. And not just once, but three times!

That’s sobering stuff. But the good news is that God understands our human limitations. What’s more, his steadfast love for us brings redemption.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” we read in 1 John.

And then there's this reassuring promise from Proverbs:

“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

It’s when we desperately need a mulligan to erase our failures — whether we’re on or off the golf course — that we can always count on God’s undeserved kindness. We just need to confess our shortfalls to Jesus in faith. The result is a clean scorecard: a complete and total do-over.

“How far has the Lord taken our sins from us?” the Psalmist asks. “Farther than the distance from east to west!”