In 1997, Tiger Woods became the first African American to win the famed the Master’s Golf Tournament. Later that same year, he went on to win two other major tournaments giving him $2,000,000 in winnings. On top of that, were his endorsements which brought in an additional $60,000! Not bad for one year, was it?

After such an incredible year, Tiger surprised the world when he announced to his coach that he wanted to change his golf swing. Many were thinking, You’re crazy! Why mess with a good thing? You’re on top right now!

But Tiger was determined not to settle, and he had a nagging feeling that if he changed his swing, he would actually play an even better game. So he studied video tapes of himself, memorizing every move he put into his swing and making mental notes on how he would change it.

During the next 19 months, he only won one tournament. But after that, he won 10 out of the next 14 tournaments — six of them in a row! He’s the only golfer in history to hold six major titles.

You may think you’re pretty good spiritually . . . but guess what! You’re nothing compared to what you can be! Would you dare to allow God to completely stop you in your tracks in order to change and improve yourself? Yes, it will slow you down at first. And yes, people may wonder why you’re not “on top” any more. But in time, God will be able to do far more with you, in you and through you than He’s doing right now.

The difference? Allowing God to completely break you. Then giving Him the authority to pick up the pieces and remold you . . . reshape you in His image. The best singers are those who sing from a broken — yet healed heart. The best speakers are those who speak from joy born of despair. The best artists are those who are able to paint hope because they’ve known the opposite. The winning athletes are those who are secure enough to climb out of the spotlight for a while to improve themselves while losing.

Know It!
Yes, you may be pretty good right now. You may even feel as though you’re on top of the world. But your “good” is nothing next to God’s “amazing.” Will you give Him the authority to do more with you than you can even imagine? It will require being broken. But when God never leaves His children broken for long. And when He puts the pieces back together, you can rest assured that His creation always shines brighter!

Read It!
Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 3:20; Ephesians 4:18.

Pray It!
Tell God you’re willing to be broken and reshaped in His image.

Check out yesterday’s devo, The Gift of the Garbage Man (Part III) .